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Muskegon to pilot upgraded Swim Smart beach‑warning system; staff proposes $100,000 set‑aside
Summary
Parks staff proposed a four‑year Swim Smart hardware‑as‑a‑service pilot to expand automated beach‑warning lights and web tools; the $100,000 cost would be paid from existing parks CIP funds (about $25,000/year) and will appear on the consent agenda for formal approval.
City parks staff presented a plan to expand and modernize Muskegon’s beach‑warning system using Swim Smart’s automated flags and data platform. Kyle Kaczewski, director of parks and recreation, told commissioners the proposal would add five freestanding warning lights at key access points, install an operations tower with camera, and link a dynamic web dashboard and QR codes to provide real‑time swim‑condition information.
Kaczewski said two smaller warning systems already operate at Pier Marquette and Beach Cove and that the proposed configuration would improve visibility and public awareness across high‑traffic access points. "We really want anyone pulling in to see the beach conditions," he said, describing locations such as Pere Marquette, Beach Street ends and Kruesi Park.
Jacob, representing Swim Smart, explained the upgrade would move the city from manually changing cloth flags to a system tied to weather forecasts and NOAA data that automatically updates status displays and web content. Swim Smart’s hardware‑as‑a‑service four‑year pilot includes ongoing monitoring, software and replacement parts to minimize summer downtime and provide regular upgrades instead of one‑time equipment purchases.
Commissioners asked how the pilot would be paid. Staff said the parks capital improvement plan set aside $100,000 for beach upgrades, funded largely through ARPA and parking‑revenue commitments in the CIP; the vendor model would cost about $25,000 per year over four years and is structured to be prepaid from the set‑aside. Staff also noted a potential 15% discount if ancillary software services are bundled.
Several commissioners voiced support for the public‑safety rationale and noted the value to visitors who may be unfamiliar with Lake Michigan hazards. Jacob said Swim Smart has primarily anecdotal evidence of improved confidence and public reception and that the company is pursuing an empirical study with a university to measure safety outcomes.
Staff said the agreement would be on the next day’s consent agenda for formal approval as a four‑year pilot contract. If the commission approves, staff will proceed with installation at the described sites and expand outreach (dynamic QR codes, links on the beach‑permit site, on‑bus information and printed materials).
