Today we turn back the calendar to the year 2009, when Art Brabbs shared several photos of the memorial that was erected on the shores of Lake Superior, near Picnic Rocks in Marquette. At the time of the writing back then, there were plaques with the names of 16 people who had lost their lives here, due to the dangerous rip currents. It's a beautiful spot for views of the Big Lake, but the signs caution people about the currents, so if you want to swim, just go down the beach to the south of Picnic Rocks where it's safe with no dangerous currents to pull you under. Hopefully this memorial to those lives lost, along with the warning signs on the beach, are visible reminders to those that are thinking about trying to swim out to the rocks.

The third photo was taken by Gertie Mulier this past month there at Picnic Rocks. With the morning sun just rising UP into the sky, reflecting on the calm waters, it looks so peaceful and serene. It certainly doesn't look like the dangerous swimming area that it is, just proving that you can't see the dangers below the surface of Lake Superior and you need to heed the warnings when they're posted.

We know lives have been lost here at Picnic Rocks, but I'm guessing there have been some that have been saved, also. The US Coast Guard is in the business of saving lives, but in order to do so, they have to practice drills over and over to be at the ready when called to help someone in distress. Today's video is from 1920 and shows Captain Cleary and crew from Marquette performing a U.S. Life Saving Demonstration. The footage is from an early Delft Theater clip, where the Coast Guard crew demonstrates the Breeches Buoy, Lyle gun drill and the righting on the life boat drill at Picnic Rocks. Captain Cleary is supposed to stay high and dry during the drill and does a pretty good job of doing so. The clip was restored by Jack Deo of Superior View Photography, where you can find thousands of historic photographs at Viewsofthepast.com.

Greetings:

Lake Superior, "When In Doubt Do Not go Out" perhaps could be modified a bit to:

When In Doubt Do Not Go Out, and Don't Go Out Too Far That You Can't Get Back.

An unpredictable lake.

JT

My saying; "I doubt if I'll ever go out."
2005 review pic is classic.

My Grandpa's saying was even shorter: Respect the Lake. With regard to "Don't go so far out that you can't get back", my mom has told me she remembers him telling her that even in an inland lake.

This area always brings back great memories; thanks!

Very good warning, and how different than the unofficial motto of the Life Saving Service:

“You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back“.

Picnic Rocks tho beautiful, is very dangerous and swimming should not be allowed, like suggested, the beach to the south is where you want to swim.