Coast Guard

CLEVELAND – The Coast Guard, in coordination with state and local agencies, will establish a
safety zone for the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan triathlon on September 15, 2024, in
Frankfort and Benzie Counties.
The safety zone will be enforced from 7-11 a.m. on Sunday in the waters surrounding Frankfort
Harbor and parts of Lake Michigan to ensure the safety of participants, spectators and event
personnel during the swimming portion of the triathlon.
This year’s IRONMAN 70.3 event is expected to draw thousands of athletes from across the
country, with many spectators lining the shores to watch the competition.
“As the Incident Commander for the swim portion of the IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan, I am
extremely proud of our relationship with the United States Coast Guard,” said Undersheriff Greg
T. Hubers, Benzie County Sheriff’s Office. “The Benzie County Sheriff’s Office operates only
three small marine patrol vessels county wide. Without the inter-agency cooperation between the
USCG, Benzie County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan Department of Natural resources, a large-
scale operation such as swim route security and rescue operations for IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan
Sept. 12, 2024

would not be possible. The Coast Guard serves as a critical partner during large scale events,
rescue operations, training operations and mutual aid requests”.
The safety zone will be clearly marked with buoys, and patrol boats will be on-site to enforce the
safety zone and assist with any concerns. Mariners are advised to avoid the area during this time
and follow the instructions of Coast Guard and local law enforcement personnel on the water.
“When it came to planning for all the emergency resources necessary to support an event of this
size, there was relief in knowing that adequate water rescue and response vessels were not going
to be hard to find,” said Rebecca Hubers, Benzie County Emergency Management Coordinator.
“Benzie County appreciates the available agencies willing and capable of providing water assets
and trained personnel for not only special events, but during a variety of marine requests or
incidents. This is a very marine focused community, and we value our resources not only along
Lake Michigan but inland, as well.”
In addition to the Coast Guard, the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan Department of
Natural Resources, and other local emergency response teams will be assisting with patrols and
ensuring public safety throughout the day.
“We are working closely with our local partners to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” said
Chief Warrant Officer Nicholas Gera, the commanding officer at Coast Guard Station Manistee.
“Our top priority is the safety of both the athletes and the community, and we appreciate the
cooperation of boaters and spectators as we create a safe environment for this exciting event. We
rely heavily on these local partnerships, the codependency and synergy we have with these
agencies is remarkable and enables us to ensure the safety of events on the water and the
response to emergencies when they arise.”
Residents and visitors in the Frankfort and Benzie County areas are encouraged to plan
accordingly and to check with local authorities for updates on the event schedule and any further
safety precautions.
Emergency line: 911
Non-emergency line: (231) 882-4487
The IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan, is half-distance triathlon, organized by The IRONMAN Group.
The City of Frankfort is hosting the IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan with an expectation of more than
2,000 athletes, plus all their support crew, teams and spectators.
Planning Team:
United States Coast Guard
Benzie County Emergency Management
Benzie County EMS
Michigan State Police

Benzie County Central Dispatch
Frankfort Police Department
Benzie County Sheriff’s Office
Frankfort Fire Department
Benzie CERT
City Officials for the City of Frankfort
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Village Officials for the Village of Elberta
Event Coordinators for IRONMAN

-USCG-