GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Labor Day weekend is all about squeezing in last-minute summer fun, and planning your trip to the beach just got easier.
Get current conditions at any buoy of your choice within one of the Great Lakes, and get a text back with the following: Water temperature, air temperature, wave height, winds and a link to the forecast.
Here's how to get that information: Simply text (734) 418-7299 or (734) 201-0750 with the number of the buoy you are interested in. To find a buoy near you, take a look at the list.
The idea came about a few years ago from Limnotech project engineer Ed Verhamme.
"Boaters are on the move, they're going to the boat launch, they're fishing and they text a lot so we thought a text system set-up would be nice."
Nearly 20,000 people have texted a buoy since June of this year.
"It's used a lot in West Michigan," said Verhamme. "I've been really surprised at the number of people that use it and how often they use it."
The buoys in West Michigan are all supported by communities, and right now the text message service is free.
"We try to keep the buoys operational from April through November and provide services like this text message thing," added Verhamme. "Just another reminder that if they use the data, help us support it."
Coming soon, Alexa will be able to communicate with buoys. Verhamme is working on setting up a similar system with home assistance services.
"You can just shout at Siri," said Verhamme. "'Siri, what's the latest wave height at the Holland buoy?' so we're working on that."
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