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Pewaukee board backs pilot of three ice‑safety 'boxes' with throwables, GPS and signage
Summary
Board members discussed a pilot to place three winter 'ice boxes' containing throwables, rope and thermal blankets at strategic locations, with GPS coordinates for dispatch, donor sponsorship and a maintenance plan; staff will explore donations and logistics.
Pewaukee lake board members agreed on Sept. 15, 2025, to pursue a pilot placing three publicly accessible winter safety boxes stocked with throwables, rope and thermal blankets at key launch points or on the ice to support winter rescues.
Speaker 4 proposed the boxes and suggested sponsors or volunteers to host them; the board discussed theft and maintenance risks, lighting and reflective marking, and GPS coordinates for dispatch. “I would like to see some sort of throwable and rope mechanism ... at least station multiple places around the lake,” Speaker 4 said, arguing the devices could make rescues quicker and be a low‑cost safety measure.
Speaker 1 said he would try to acquire three large boxes and seek donated throwables and life jackets; he suggested combination locks with dispatch access or visible labeling marking the boxes as property of Lake Patrol to deter theft. Members recommended using bright reflectors or orange lights, deploying boxes on the ice after freeze and removing them when season ends, and GPS‑tagging boxes so dispatch can give precise locations.
The board discussed possible sponsors (yacht clubs, bait shops) and volunteers to monitor batteries and replenish consumables. Concerns included the risk of untrained bystanders attempting rescues and the need to instruct users to call 911 first. The board asked staff to research costs and vendors and bring a proposal and potential funding sources back at a winter follow‑up meeting.
