Action taken recently by the Chocolay Township Board was a move in the right direction and may even result in saved lives.

The panel OK’d placing a trio of lifesaving stations at three separate scenic turnoffs along M-28.

The action followed the addition of three lifesaving stations at Little Presque Isle Recreation Area north of the city of Marquette, with cooperation of Marquette Township, where two tragic drownings happened in June.

That effort combined a host of agencies, with area Lions Clubs raising the money for the raw material to build the stations and Lions members from the Ishpeming, Republic and Skandia clubs volunteered to build and install the stations with the help of the DNR.

The city of Marquette had previously installed several similar stations along its beaches where drownings have taken place in the past.

Now Chocolay Township looks to follow suit.

“We are currently trying to calculate costs, which we don’t have yet,” Chocolay Township Clerk Max Engle said for a Mining Journal story. “Once we have those, we will be able to move forward on this.”

The stations will hold life rings, life jackets and other equipment that can be used during a rescue attempt. The stations will be maintained by the Chocolay Township Fire Department. The Chocolay Township Police Department, meanwhile, will monitor them.

With an eye on winter ice buildup, the Chocolay Township stations will be placed up and somewhat away from the water’s edge. Probably wise, given the amount of ice typically in that area.

We applaud the Chocolay Township Board for taking this action, as this is one of those kinds of projects that units of government often debate to death – before doing anything.

Yes, there will be a bit of cost involved. The pair of township agencies – police and fire – will have to incorporate keeping an eye on the stations, going forward.

That said, this could could ultimately save priceless lives.

– Marquette Mining Journal