New signs to encourage lake safety
New signs have been installed along the Lake Mendota shoreline on the UW–Madison campus in an effort to draw more attention to lake safety.
One of 20 new signs erected along Lake Mendota to promote lake safety.
Photo: Sean Geib
Signs had already existed, but the more than 20 new ones are an added safety measure following the drownings of a recent graduate and a student last summer. The hope this year, and every year, is to remind people that while the water is a great source of recreation, it needs to be respected.
“We want to make sure everyone can enjoy the lake safely,” says Sean Geib, assistant supervisor at the UW Lifesaving Station.
Some of the signs advise the hours a lifeguard is on duty, areas where there isn’t a lifeguard on duty, and where docking of private boats isn’t allowed.
The water is especially dangerous for those who have been drinking alcohol, Geib says.
“When people drink, their inhibitions go down,” Geib says. “They may not be as strong of a swimmer as they think they are, but people convince themselves that they can do this.”
Ninety percent of drownings occur when a person is either not wearing a life jacket or has been drinking alcohol, Geib says.
“The fact is drinking and late night swimming don’t mix,” Geib says.
For some students, swimming out to the sailboats in the Memorial Union mooring field is on their “bucket list” of things to do before they graduate.
Ninety percent of drownings occur when a person is either not wearing a life jacket or has been drinking alcohol.
“They don’t realize how far it is and how quickly they can become fatigued,” Geib says.
The Lifesaving Station maintains a seasonal lake watch on Lake Mendota from April through October. It also employs student lifeguards to staff the Memorial Union swim pier from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguard hours at the swim pier are from 11 a.m. to sunset seven days a week. More than 20,000 people visit the pier each year. A brand new swimming pier is being installed next week.
The UW Lifesaving Station was established in 1909 to provide a lake rescue service to UW–Madison students while they enjoy Lake Mendota.
In 2012, the crew had 565 runs, 175 rescues and 72 assists.
Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or not, Geib always urges caution and respect for the water.
“We just want everyone to be aware and be safe,” Geib says.
