Flags show safety conditions on Marquette beaches
MARQUETTE -- With several recent drownings in Lake Superior, the City of Marquette is taking further measures to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
On Saturday, a beach-front flag advisory system was put into place at four beaches in Marquette: South Beach, McCarty's Cove, Middle Beach, and Picnic Rocks.
The city fire department will work closely with the National Weather Service to determine weather conditions and wave height on a regular basis every day.
There are four different warning levels, and the color names are also printed on the flags for someone who may be color-blind.
Fire Chief Tom Belt says the department will constantly be consulting with the lifeguards on duty.
"Just another layer of safety for the beach-front. When people get out of their vehicles and they approach the beach, they'll be able to see the symbols on the signs and also which flags are flying," said Belt.
The Chief also said the system will be most useful in educating people from outside the area who may not be familiar with Lake Superior. The flags will be used from noon to 8 p.m. during the unofficial summer season of Memorial Day through Labor Day.
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