BERRIEN COUNTY, MI — A new robot meant to save lives is coming to the shores of Lake Michigan.
Berrien County’s Silver Beach County Park is receiving a donated E.M.I.L.Y. (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard) Water Rescue Device, Berrien County Parks Director Jill Adams said.
The high-tech tool is a battery-powered and remote-controlled boat, which can be used at beaches for drowning prevention and water rescue, Adams said.
“This is a tool we can deploy from the water’s edge,” she said. Lifeguards will be able to see where E.M.I.L.Y. goes from their elevated vantage point on the beach, she said, and control the device remotely.
E.M.I.L.Y. is a remote-controlled water device that can be sent out to help save people in the water. The device is coming to the shores of Lake Michigan after a donation to Berrien County.(Courtesy | Hydronalix)
“The water robot, (known as) E.M.I.L.Y., can be used by someone struggling in the water,” Adams said. “If we can get this buoyant device out to them, they’ll have something to hold on to.”
The $12,800 device was given by a donor who is planning to announce the gift at a future presentation, Adams said, declining to name the donor. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to accept the donation on Thursday, May 16.
The 26-pound device can travel up to 23 mph, according to the manufacturer, to get help out to struggling swimmers quickly.
The company says the devices have helped save lives, pointing to a rip current rescue in Oregon as an example.
E.M.I.L.Y. is a remote-controlled water device that can be sent out to help save people in the water. The device is coming to the shores of Lake Michigan after a donation to Berrien County.(Courtesy | Hydronalix)
Berrien County Parks staff are working on plans to determine training and maintenance for the device.
Officials anticipate the device will be available to first responders from multiple agencies.
The E.M.I.L.Y. Water Rescue Device will be presented to Berrien County Parks in June during training from the manufacturer, Hydronalix.
The sun sets over Lake Michigan in a May 2023 file photo. A beach on Lake Michigan is getting a new high-tech device meant to help save lives. (Garret Ellison | MLive)
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