LORAIN, Ohio — A historic Lorain landmark is taking on a new role along Lake Erie.
New high-resolution cameras installed at the Lorain Lighthouse are giving residents and visitors a live view of the lakefront while also helping first responders spot boaters in trouble.
The lighthouse, which has stood on Lake Erie since 1917, remains a symbol of the city and a source of pride for many in the community.
“It’s an icon, it’s the jewel of the port. It’s part of Lorain and always will be,” said Frank Sipkovsky, a longtime volunteer with the Lorain Lighthouse Foundation.
Sipkovsky has volunteered with the foundation for over 30 years and helped oversee restoration efforts at the lighthouse.
“We’ve come a long way,” Sipkovsky said. “When we started the lighthouse, we didn’t think we’d get this far along as it is today. We hope the people of Lorain enjoy it.”
Lorain County Commissioner Jeff Riddell said officials first installed the camera system to showcase the city’s lakefront and encourage tourism.
“It promotes the city of Lorain in a positive light,” Riddell said. “For decades everyone’s talked about how we have to cash in on the lakefront. It’s our biggest asset, it’s our biggest draw for the quality of life for residents as well as visitors.”
Soon after crews activated the cameras, officials discovered they could serve another purpose: helping protect people on the water.
A 24-hour live stream of Lake Erie is available thanks to a new camera at the Lorain Lighthouse. (Spectrum News 1/Jack Berney)
According to Riddell, the person installing the cameras spotted kayakers in trouble while monitoring the system and alerted authorities so they could respond.
In another case, the cameras captured a sailboat in distress near the breakwall. Jim Lumadue said rough conditions made it difficult for the woman on board to control the boat.
“It was heading towards the breakwall,” Lumadue said. “At that time there were like four-foot waves out there. So it was a woman on board, and she was having trouble handling the boat. We were able to get between the breakwall and the boat and toss her a line.”
Sipkovsky said the camera system has become a valuable safety tool for charter operators and emergency responders.
“The camera helps them see what the condition of the lake is for their charters,” he said. “It’s a safety factor. It’s helped us out, and it’s helped the Coast Guard out. That proves that it’s well worth the money spent.”
The Lorain Lighthouse has long been a point of pride for this community, and now its newest feature is showing it can protect lives and preserve history.