FRANKFORT, Michigan — City officials in Frankfort are weighing the possibility of bringing lifeguards back to local beaches as conversations begin around a significant update to the city’s recreation master plan. The move comes in response to ongoing community interest in bolstering water safety on Frankfort’s well-loved public shoreline.

Renewed Focus on Beach Safety

At a recent city meeting, Superintendent Josh Mills expressed the importance of fostering a community discussion to evaluate whether the return of lifeguards would further strengthen protocols for beach safety. Mills emphasized that no formal proposal or funding has yet been put in place, but the topic remains a key focus as Frankfort seeks to protect both residents and the many visitors who frequent its public beaches each season.

Looking Back: Lifeguard Program History

Lifeguards once stood as a regular fixture at Frankfort beaches, providing vigilant oversight until the program was gradually phased out during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Since then, the city has adopted various water safety interventions to maintain a secure environment, but the absence of a formal lifeguard program has been noted by both locals and advocates.

Adapting Water Safety Measures

In lieu of lifeguards, Frankfort implemented an array of protective measures, including the installation of throwable life rings and emergency call boxes across popular shorelines. Collaborative initiatives with the Benzie Wellness and Aquatic Center have supplemented these efforts by supporting swimming lessons and piloting warning lights that alert beachgoers to changing water conditions and potential hazards.

Expert Voices Address Safety and Liability

Dive into the regional context, water safety advocate Dave Benjamin, who has tracked statewide trends, notes that Michigan communities have widely reduced or eliminated lifeguard services since the 1990s. Benjamin argues, however, that trained lifeguards can offer much more than emergency rescue: “Their presence is critical for hazard identification and ongoing public education,” he says. Addressing potential liability issues, Benjamin suggests that employing lifeguards does not inherently increase legal risk for municipalities, and can actually provide an additional layer of public safety assurance.

Community Engagement Shaping the Path Forward

Mills and other city staff have made clear that any decision on redeploying lifeguards will lean heavily on public feedback gathered through the recreation master plan revision process. With more community discussion expected in the coming months, Frankfort leaders are inviting input from residents, families, and local organizations invested in responsible shoreline management. The city’s ongoing commitment to water safety is evident through its partnerships and proactive measures, but the possible return of lifeguards marks a new chapter in safeguarding Frankfort beaches for all who enjoy the Lake Michigan coast.

Regional Significance and Next Steps

As Michigan’s lakeside communities face seasonal challenges and increased recreational use, the debate around lifeguard services remains timely. In Frankfort, the process is only beginning, but city officials signal a readiness to adapt as public sentiment becomes clearer. The blend of technological solutions, swim education, and consideration of human oversight through lifeguards underscores a holistic approach to beach safety that could serve as a model for communities across the region.

Staying Informed and Involved

With public engagement at the forefront, all eyes are on upcoming meetings and feedback sessions where the future of shoreline safety will be shaped. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate as Frankfort explores how best to balance tradition, innovation, and safety priorities for its cherished public beaches.