Though I can't find anything specific about seasonal service at Cleveland West Breakwater, I did find this in "The Book" (Great Lakes Lighthouses Encyclopedia)

They took it as their solemn duty to get to their stations early in the season so their lights would be lit for the beginning of the shipping season, and they would stay at their station until freeze-up, sometimes having to walk miles across ice at the end of the season. Occasionally they were forced to winter over, and some did not survive.

I wonder what happens to shipping if there is a temporary freeze in the harbors?