New device installed in Port Washington warns beach-goers of dangerous conditions

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (CBS 58) – A new device installed at North Beach in Port Washington could help save lives this summer.

It looks like a traffic light and lights up to tell people the risk for rip currents. Green means the risk is low, yellow stands for moderate and red stands for a high risk.

“This is meant to increase the safety and visibility that there are rip currents,” Port Washington Recreation director Kiley Schulte said.

The info station analyzes conditions in real-time. A device in Lake Michigan transmits data that helps the system determine the risk factor.

The info station can also be accessed online, so people know the conditions before they head out to the beach.

City leaders said it is the only device of its kind in the U.S. and they’re thrilled it is in Port Washington.

“We live right on the lakefront here and so it’s definitely something that’s very important to having in our community," Schulte said. "Increasing waterfront safety is a big thing."

The city hopes to eventually install another info station at the South Beach.