Tragedy struck when my sister was on a youth beach trip with her church group. They were all enjoying a sunny day by the water when one of her church friends  began to struggle to stay afloat. In a frantic attempt to help, my sister's friend rushed towards him, only to be pulled back by my sister who went for assistance. Despite the rescue team's efforts, he passed away later. This heartbreaking event is a grim reminder of how quickly a day of fun can turn into a tragedy.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Every year, there are numerous drownings and near-drownings on Michigan’s beautiful beaches. The absence of trained lifeguards on many of these beaches is a glaring oversight that contributes to these tragedies. According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, drownings in the Great Lakes alone claim dozens of lives annually. Having professional lifeguards present can mean the difference between life and death.

Taxpayers in Michigan, I urge you to consider the heartache that can be prevented by having lifeguards to watch over our lakes. Most parents would willingly support such an initiative through taxes if it meant preventing another loss like Ryan’s.

Enacting legislation to require lifeguards on all Michigan beaches isn't just a preventative measure, it's a necessary one. It ensures the safety of residents and tourists alike who seek leisure by the water. It provides peace of mind to families and children who visit these beloved natural resources. Implementation is plausible through phased hiring and training programs, supported by state resources and community support.

Let us come together to make Michigan’s beaches safer for everyone. Please sign this petition to call on our legislators to take immediate action in mandating lifeguards on all public beaches in Michigan. Together, we can prevent senseless tragedies and honor the memory of those we have lost, like Ryan. Even if we start small with just more of the major beaches staffed with lifeguards then that's a start!  Your signature can save lives. Please sign and share this petition.