Beach Ambassador Project 

Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy Lake Michigan safely. Yet access to swimming lessons, lifeguards, and water safety education isn't equal across Milwaukee. Cost, transportation, and other barriers leave some communities at greater risk of water-related injuries and drowning.

The Beach Ambassador Project is a collaborative effort of Milwaukee Water Commons, Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Wisconsin Sea Grant, and local water safety leaders to make our beaches safer and more welcoming. Each summer, trained Beach Ambassadors connect with visitors at Bradford and McKinley beaches, sharing lifesaving information about dangerous currents, changing lake conditions, life jackets, and safe swimming practices.

Launched in 2021 in response to drownings at Milwaukee beaches, the project has employed more than 32 Beach Ambassadors and engaged more than 7,500 people in water safety conversations. This community-centered approach builds knowledge, strengthens connections, and helps more people make informed decisions around the water.

Beyond the beach, Milwaukee Water Commons advocates for expanded access to swimming lessons and lifesaving equipment. By connecting direct education with efforts to address systemic barriers, we're advancing a more equitable approach to water safety that can inform similar efforts across the Great Lakes region.