UW Life Saving Station

Built 1971 The UW Life-Saving Station helps minimize problems caused by the huge summer use of Lake Mendota in the UW area combined with the often-tricky weather. Originally housed in the old Crew House next to the Red Gym, a 60-foot high modern concrete structure about 150 yards west of James Madison Park. It gives a much better view of the entire lake especially the large university waterfront area. It also provides winter storage for the high-powered rescue boats. In bad weather the station might make up to 25 rescues a day. One of the early station directors was Harvey Black. Even today, sailors being rescued say “here comes Harvey,” as both of the rescue boats have this nickname.