Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…it IS.

Silver Beach has received a donation of a “lifesaving robot.” On Thursday, county commissioners accepted the donation of an Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard, or EMILY, that can assist struggling swimmers in the waters off Silver Beach.

Berrien County Parks Director Jill Adams told WSJM that the EMILY robot is a remote controlled boat that lifeguards and first responders can deploy from the water’s edge to aid a struggling swimmer back to safety, allowing much greater reach than a life ring.

The $12,800 robot was donated by the family of a drowning victim, who are also providing one for New Buffalo.