GLSRP's Third Coast Ocean Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 6, 2012

Contact:

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

Dave Benjamin, Executive Director and Public Relations

708-903-0166

Sur Rescue Project’s executive wins

Great Lakes Community Service Award

GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) is proud to announce that Bob Pratt has been selected as the 2012 “Outstanding Service to the Great Lakes Community” award presented by the Dairyland Surf Classic (aka “D-Land”) in Sheboygan, WI.

 “The award is designed to reward individuals that selflessly give to the surfing sport and lifestyle – To those who give more to surfing than they take,” said Larry “Longboard” Williams, Dairyland Surf Classic co-organizer.  “It’s for those who are known throughout the Great Lakes surf community for their positive attitude and contributions to freshwater surfing.”

According to Williams, the award is only given once in a surfer’s lifetime as a way of saying thank you for bringing happiness to so many in the community. Pratt will receive the award Saturday, September 2, at the Dairyland Surf Classic’s awards banquet.

“Wow. What an honor,” said Bob Pratt, GLSRP executive director.  “I'm speechless... And thank you!”

“D-Land is the largest gathering of freshwater surfers in the world,” said co-organizer Lee “Waterflea” Williams. “The main focus has always been the gathering of surfers from all the Great Lakes to share stories, photos and celebrate the passion we all share and love. Most of us have surfed many breaks around the world but this, the Great Lakes, is what we call home.”

ABOUT DAIRYLAND SURF CLASSIC

The Dairyland Surf Classic was created to share the "stoke" and "Aloha Spirit" of surfing the Great Lakes. It’s known as "the gathering of the Tribes" this event is known not only around the Lakes but throughout the U.S. Each year it honors people who make a difference on the Great Lakes. It’s also a hosts Standup Paddle (SUP) competitions, three person relays, professional paddle events and an market opportunity for participants to buy, sell, swap and trade gear.

###

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Inc. (GLSRP) is about saving lives. It is a nonprofit corporation that is a Chapter of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), the 2011 “Lifesaver of the Year” award winner, presenter at the NDPA’s 11^th Annual Symposium, and the 2012 winner of the “Outstanding Service to the Great Lakes Community” award presented by the Dairyland Surf Classic, Sheboygan, WI. The GLSRP tracks drowning statistics, teaches “Water Safety Surf Rescue” classes, and leads the “Third Coast Ocean Force” rip current awareness campaign on the Great Lakes.