Keeping Milwaukee Waterways Safe

WaterSAFE MKE is instrumental in saving lives by providing access to life-saving tools along Milwaukee waterways.

Heartbreaking losses due to water-related fatalities have impacted families across the city, highlighting the urgent need for improved water safety. Driven by this need and a personal loss, Fire and Police Commissioner LaNelle Ramey has spearheaded the WaterSAFE MKE Project.

WaterSAFE MKE
WaterSAFE MKE
WaterSAFE MKE

Our Mission

We aim to reduce drownings by providing readily available, life-saving tools online, and life ring stations along the Milwaukee River and near the North Avenue Bridge. Based on Milwaukee Fire Department expertise, these stations are strategically placed to be accessible to bystanders who can assist those in distress. The WaterSAFE MKE Project will be instrumental in saving lives by providing access to life-saving tools along Milwaukee waterways.

Watersafe Team | WaterSAFE MKE
The WaterSAFE Team

Be Prepared

Be prepared to take action when someone is drowning. In emergency situations, it is crucial to remain calm and think clearly. Panic can hinder effective use of a life ring. If you find yourself in an immediate life-threatening situation, do not rely solely on a life ring. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately for assistance. The life ring is designed to assist in emergency situations; however, it should not replace proper emergency response and medical care.

Pick Up Life Ring | WaterSAFE MKE
pick up life ring

When someone is drowning, act fast and identify the easily marked life ring. Keep hold of the rope at all times.

Throw Life Ring | WaterSAFE MKE
throw life ring

Aim and throw, focusing on getting the life ring close to yet not on top of the person in the water.

Pull Steadily | WaterSAFE MKE
pull steadily

Once the person has a hold of the life ring, firmly and steadily pull on the rope, guiding the person to shore.

Call 911 | WaterSAFE MKE
call 911

While the life ring is in the water, call for emergency services. Keep calm and continue pulling the rope.

Make a splash for water safety

In the United States, over 3,500 people fatally drown every year. Since 2020, the Milwaukee Police Department, Fire Department Boat and Dive Teams have responded over 140 times to drowning cases.

44% of Americans cannot swim well. To test your water competency, try these exercises from the Red Cross:

  • Get into water over your head
  • Return to the surface and tread water for one minute
  • Turn in a full circle and find an exit
  • Swim 25 yards without stopping
  • Exit the water without using a ladder

Situations that may result in drowning include increased exposure to water, participation in extreme water sports, and alcohol consumption.

According to the CDC, nearly 80% of drowning victims are male.

Check out these resources

10 Open Water Safety Tips | WaterSAFE MKE
Stay Afloat

with 10 Open Water Safety Tips by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance

A Beginner's Guide to Safer Paddling | WaterSAFE MKE
Paddle Smart

with A Beginner’s Guide to Safer Paddling by the Paddling Magazine

Water Safety Toolkit | WaterSAFE MKE
take action

with the Water Safety Toolkit by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance

Kayak Safety Tutorial | WaterSAFE MKE
kayak safely

with the Kayak Safety Tutorial by Milwaukee Riverwalk Tour

Beach Status Information | WaterSAFE
plan ahead

with Beach Status information by the Wisconsin DNR

Boating Resources | WaterSAFE
ride safely

with Boating Resources from the Wisconsin DNR

Water Safety Resources | WaterSAFE MKE
Milwaukee Water Community

with Water Safety Resources by Milwaukee Recreation