Grieving parents donate lifesaving robots to Lake Michigan beaches in memory of drowned children

The tragic drowning incident that took the lives of 19-year-old Emily and her boyfriend, Kory, at a Lake Michigan beach in South Haven nearly two years ago still haunts Lisa MacDonald. The sudden and silent nature of drowning has left her devastated, as she recalls the plans she had with Emily before the tragedy struck.

In memory of Emily and Kory, MacDonald and Kory’s father, Stephen Ernster, have decided to make a meaningful contribution to beach safety by donating two lifesaving robots to communities along Lake Michigan. The robots, known as E.M.I.L.Y. (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard), will be given to the city of New Buffalo and Berrien County’s Silver Beach in St. Joseph, where municipal lifeguard programs are in operation.

The funding for these robots is coming from Kory Ernster’s Life insurance money, with the devices bearing the inscription “In loving memory of Emily and Kory.” Stephen Ernster, a robotics teacher, believes that these robots can significantly enhance existing beach safety programs, especially in areas where staffing lifeguard programs has been a challenge.

The E.M.I.L.Y. robots are designed to provide quick assistance in water rescue situations, offering a better chance of survival for individuals in distress. Ernster hopes that these devices will bring hope to communities and prevent future tragedies like the one that took the lives of Emily and Kory.

MacDonald, who has been advocating for the reinstatement of lifeguards at South Haven beaches, sees this donation as a wake-up call for the city to prioritize beach safety. While the South Haven City Council has made establishing a lifeguard program a priority, the implementation process may take some time.

Despite the efforts to improve beach safety through various measures like signage, flag warning systems, and training for staff, MacDonald and other safety advocates continue to push for lifeguard programs in South Haven. The families of Emily and Kory are also pursuing legal action against the city over the tragic incident that changed their lives forever.

In the midst of their grief, MacDonald and Ernster are determined to raise awareness about drowning prevention and educate others on the importance of water safety. Through their advocacy and the donation of E.M.I.L.Y. robots, they hope to honor the memory of Emily and Kory and prevent future tragedies on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The donation of these lifesaving robots serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of beach safety and the need for communities to come together to protect their residents and visitors. As MacDonald continues to share her story and promote drowning prevention methods, she hopes to spare other families from experiencing the heartbreak she has endured.