Marquette Water Safety Week

The tragic drownings off the coast of Lake Superior last year have prompted the City of Marquette to take action to prevent more accidents from happening this year.

One of the steps — dedicating this week to water safety.

The city’s Waterfront Safety Task Force has joined forces with Northern Michigan University to provide the community with safety courses, swim lessons, and rescue demonstrations.

The task force hopes to make the week an annual event.

NMU organizer Katie Theut says with warmer weather expected, May seemed to be a good time to have it, especially since more people are likely to get involved in water-related activities.

She says the various programs are a way to make sure that community members have the tools to protect themselves from potentially dangerous situations.

The Marquette Fire Department will hold water rescue demonstrations tomorrow at 7pm.

A basic safety swimming course will take place on Thursday from 6 to 8.

All activites will be at the PEIF in Marquette.