What are Beach Ambassadors?
Beach Ambassadors are friendly informal educators who share information with Milwaukee beachgoers about current and potential water safety conditions on Milwaukee’s lakefront beaches. They share useful websites, resources, and knowledge on topics related to wind and weather conditions, water quality, safety equipment, and other topics to ensure visitors have safe and meaningful experiences on Milwaukee’s beaches.
Where can you find the Beach Ambassadors?
Since 2021, beach ambassadors can be found on Bradford and McKinley beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day talking to the public, leading educational workshops, or tabling at local events. Look out for the bright blue Beach Ambassador shirts from 11am-4pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and stop by to say hello! You can also be sure to follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram).
How did the Beach Ambassador Project start?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was increased visitation Milwaukee’s lakefront beaches. With increasing numbers of inexperienced swimmers utilizing our beautiful beaches and particularly dangerous currents at Mckinley Beach, there were several unfortunate accidents in 2020 leading to the closure and renovation of Mckinley Beach. These factors, combined with a nationwide shortage of lifeguards, and lack of awareness of water safety among the general public, several organizations came together for a “call to action.” In 2020, Milwaukee Water Commons, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant, Milwaukee Riverkeepers, and Milwaukee Community Sailing Center partnered to create a program designed to raise awareness of Lake Michigan’s incredible power and to help visitors prepare for a safe visit at the beach. The Beach Ambassador Project aims to give all beachgoers the information they need to keep themselves and others safe around Milwaukee’s lakefront beaches by making information and resources readily available and widely shared with the public.
