NMU urges water safety for new students

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - Classes have begun at NMU, right ahead of summer’s last hurrah, Labor Day.

It’s an influx of students who may be unfamiliar with Lake Superior.

First responders are urging them to be cautious at the beach this weekend.

Footage of Lake Superior was captured by a man who was almost swept into the lake during a storm.

NMU now uses the video to show students just how dangerous the waves can be.

Spokesperson Derek Hall says the school reminds students of Lake Superior’s dangers each year, hoping they’ll take the warnings seriously.

“Picnic Rocks is one that is right down the road,” Hall said. “At Little Presque Isle, there have been five deaths there--luckily not students, but it’s still a sad situation.”

Hall says the university has lots of resources in the NMU Police Department and on campus to help keep students safe.

“Through our outdoor rec program, we provide equipment for students to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” Hall said. “There are resources on campus if students have questions on where to go.”

The Marquette City Fire Department’s Garrett Fuller says it’s crucial to understand what to do if you find yourself in the water stuck in something like a rip current.

“Swim horizontally out of the rip current and not directly back to shore,” Fuller said. “You swim out of it to then get back to shore. Another thing is I know--cliff jumping is a big thing in this area. We can never recommend that you do go cliff jumping, but if you do decide to do it, make sure every time you do, you check the bottom to where you will be jumping.”

He says his team can get to places like McCarty’s Cove in minutes.

But sometimes, time isn’t on their side, which is when emergencies become life-threatening.

“If you can’t swim or you’re with people who can’t swim, then don’t risk it,” Fuller said. “Wear life jackets. Even when people jump off Black Rocks, they jump off and realize they can’t swim and can’t get back.”

Fuller says there is a death just about every year on Lake Superior, but none have been NMU students.

He says he wants everyone to be safe and keep it that way.

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