MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – As summer brings more people to Marquette’s beaches, the city’s lifeguards are once again watching over swimmers on Lake Superior. But their job involves much more than sitting in a chair with a whistle. Before ever climbing into the lifeguard stand, each guard completes extensive training in water rescues, CPR, first aid, spinal injury management, and emergency response. They also spend time practicing rescue techniques, teamwork, and communication, so they’re prepared when seconds matter.
“Definitely being disciplined and trying to stay mentally sharp throughout the whole day is probably one of the biggest things that you’ll encounter as you’re lifeguarding throughout the day,” explained Marquette’s head lifeguard, Justin Burbey.
But most days are spent preventing emergencies before they happen. Lifeguards answer questions from visitors, monitor changing lake conditions, enforce safety rules, assist lost children, treat minor injuries, and educate swimmers about hazards like rip currents, cold water, and sudden weather changes on the lake. The beach warning flag system is critical to being prepared for a day at the beach.
“It’s more of the water condition and how high the waves are. So, if we have whitecaps coming in, that’s typically our indicator of like a yellow flag. And then, obviously, anything more than that is where we get into like red flag territory, or even double red, where we just have to completely close down the beach,” said Burbey.
In Marquette, certified lifeguards are stationed during the summer swimming season at McCarty’s Cove and at Clark Lambros Beach, two of the city’s busiest public beaches. Their presence provides an extra layer of protection for thousands of residents and tourists who visit the waterfront each year.
“The water is cold; you have rip currents and waves,” warned Burbey.
Officials remind swimmers that even with lifeguards on duty, safety starts with personal responsibility, swimming in designated areas, paying attention to weather and water conditions, and never leaving children unattended.
For more information about Marquette’s beaches, visit: https://marquettemi.gov/fire-department/beaches/
