In the news: Dogs, new computer models help keep beaches open

Posted June 1st, 2011 in Healthy Waters, News, Recreation & Tourism

From the Chicago Tribune:

As beaches officially open this weekend, health officials are using cutting-edge computer systems, frequent water testing and even specially trained dogs to monitor water quality and keep Lake Michigan safe for swimming.

Communities across the country traditionally have relied on testing water samples to determine if there are dangerous levels of bacteria. The tests can take up to 24 hours to process, however, forcing officials to decide whether to ban swimming based on day-old data.

But new technology is beginning to slash that lag time, allowing health officials to analyze results more quickly and accurately.

IISG Instagram

Summer on Lake Michigan is the best, and a little prep makes it even better. 🌊☀️

Dangerous currents near piers and breakwalls surprise even strong swimmers. Here`s what to know:

✅ Swim in designated areas
↔️ Caught in a current? Swim to the side — not against it — then to shore
🆘 In danger? Call for a life ring

Save this post and share it with your swim crew. 👇

More Lake Michigan safety resources: link in bio 🔗

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18080860106421463
Summer on Lake Michigan is the best, and a little prep makes it even better. 🌊☀️Dangerous currents near piers and breakwalls surprise even strong swimmers. Here's what to know:✅ Swim in designated areas↔️ Caught in a current? Swim to the side — not against it — then to shore🆘 In danger? Call for a life ringSave this post and share it with your swim crew. 👇More Lake Michigan safety resources: link in bio 🔗

Got a research idea worth a bigger room? The 2026 State of Lake Michigan Meeting is accepting proposals for symposia and workshops, and we want to hear yours!

📅 Nov. 4–6 | Michigan City, IN
⏰ Proposals due June 1 at 1 PM ET

Help shape what the Great Lakes research community discusses this year.

🔗 Submit at the link in bio.

7 0
Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18204947476345346
Got a research idea worth a bigger room? The 2026 State of Lake Michigan Meeting is accepting proposals for symposia and workshops, and we want to hear yours!📅 Nov. 4–6 | Michigan City, IN⏰ Proposals due June 1 at 1 PM ETHelp shape what the Great Lakes research community discusses this year.🔗 Submit at the link in bio.

To every educator who has brought the Great Lakes into their classroom, thank you. 🍎

Your curiosity is contagious. Your lessons last. And the students who learn to love these waters? They’ll protect them.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from all of us at IISG.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 18114413005816537
To every educator who has brought the Great Lakes into their classroom, thank you. 🍎Your curiosity is contagious. Your lessons last. And the students who learn to love these waters? They’ll protect them.Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from all of us at IISG.