The Marinette Fire Department is launching a new life-saving effort aimed at preventing drownings along local waterways.

It’s called the Life Ring Initiative, and Marinette Fire Chief Jay Heckle says the goal is simple, give bystanders a way to help before first responders arrive.

The idea follows several recent water emergencies in the area, including a drowning at the government pier and other incidents where people struggled to get out of the water. Each life ring unit costs about eight hundred dollars and includes the flotation ring, rope, and weather-protected case. Because of tight budgets, the department is relying on community donations, not taxpayer funding.

So far, community support is already making an impact. A local women’s group raised enough money on the spot to fund two life rings, and more organizations are being approached. The long-term plan is to install about a dozen life rings at locations including the government pier, Menekaunee Harbor, Hattie Street Bridge, Riverside areas, and boat launches once the ice clears this spring.

Anyone interested in donating or learning more can contact the Marinette Fire Department or Marinette City Hall.

This initiative is about one thing… giving someone a fighting chance to survive.

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