GLSRP's Third Coast Ocean Force

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Frankfort, MI Surf Rescue Class Reps Great Lakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 9, 2011

Contacts:

Lesley Perkins, The Betsie Bay Inn, 231-352-8090

Larry Bordine, Beach Nut Surf Shop, 231-357-0339

Bob Pratt, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, 517-256-4600

Dave Benjamin, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Media Relations, 708-903-0166

Frankfort Surf Rescue Class

Representing the Great Lakes at San Diego Symposium

And “Lifesaver of the Year” Award finalist

FRANKFORT, MI – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class hosted July 17 by the Betsie Bay Inn and Beach Nut Surf Shop in Frankfort will be presenting its class at the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11^th Annual Symposium, March 7 – 10, 2012 in San Diego, California. The Surf Rescue Project’s, Bob Pratt, is also a ‘Top 10 Finalist’ for the NDPA’s “Lifesaver of the Year” Award.

“This class was absolutely necessary,” said Leslie Perkins, Betsie Bay Inn owner. “Many young people do not know what a rip current is or how strong rips can be. Rips can occur in a split second and many people on the beach watching don’t know what to do to help.”

In 2010 Beach Nut Surf Shop owner, Larry Bordine, personally assisted six swimmers out of rip currents with his surfboard at Frankfort’s beaches. In one case he assisted a father and daughter to shore.

“The father was extremely tired and barely treading water while his daughter was going under,” said Bordine. “It could have been tragic.” According to Bordine, many of the lake surfers in Frankfort have made similar rescues at unguarded beaches.

“This class was an excellent opportunity to increase water safety awareness and minimize beach accidents,” said Bordine. “When this class helps one swimmer in distress, it helps the whole community.”

PRESENTING AT NDPA SYMPOSIUM

“Presenting allows us to bring the issues unique to the Great Lakes to a national forum,” said Bob Pratt, Surf Rescue Class Instructor. “Our rip currents are different; they are caused by short fetch windswells, and our piers are solid structures that exacerbate the rip current problem.”

The Great Lakes have a short swimming season (typically three months), yet has a high number of drownings each year (87 in 2011; 74 in 2010; a two-year total of 161).

“Addressing these challenges at the symposium may result in greater interest by researchers and may also result in expanded funding,” Pratt added. “The ultimate goal is and will always be the prevention of drowning by increased education and a culture of respect for the power of the Lakes.”

“We will showcase the broad range of efforts taking place in the Great Lakes region. While the region may be struggling economically, volunteer and non-profit groups have stepped in to fill voids caused by a lack of lifeguards and cuts to public safety and education.”

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project believes its class can serve as a national model bringing diverse groups of people together (the general public, surfers, law enforcement, and water rescue professionals) with the common goal of saving lives.

The class teaches participants how to recognize the danger of the surf environment; understand rip currents (i.e. how, where, and why rip currents occur); how to survive rips; to know the “Signs of Drowning”; and how to use a surfboard or other flotation device to rescue a person in distress or in a rip current.

The first “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class for 2012 is slated for Chicago in June in coordination with National Rip Current Awareness week (full summer calendar coming soon).

NDPA “LIFESAVER OF THE YEAR” AWARD

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project's, Bob Pratt, has made the "Top 10 Finalist" list for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance's "Lifesaver of the Year" Award. Voting for the winner will be on FaceBook Jan. 4 to 31, 2012. Click on the link below now to read the Lifesaver nomination and then click on the "Thumbs Up" image if you would like to cast your VOTE to support saving lives on the Great Lakes! [NOTE: You can vote once every day until the 31st.]

http://apps.facebook.com/lifesaveroftheyear/contests/144881/voteable_entries/37669564.

87 GREAT LAKES DROWNINGS IN 2011 – A TWO-YEAR TOTAL OF 161

“It was a tragic year on the Great Lakes,” said Bob Pratt, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project CEO. “Eighty-seven lives lost are unacceptable. In two-thousand-twelve we will be working hard to reduce these numbers through our water safety and surf rescue classes,” Pratt added. “Knowledge is power, and we’re leading a huge education effort across the Great Lakes.”

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project hosted five “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” classes last summer in Michigan and Indiana. There are currently 14 classes slated for summer 2012. The first “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class for 2012 is slated for Chicago the weekend of June 2-3 in coordination with National Rip Current Awareness week. (Details coming soon)

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION ALLIANCE

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance is a volunteer-driven 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in 2004. NDPA members are dedicated to preventing drowning for all age groups in all bodies of water through public education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. The public is invited to join by visiting www.ndpa.org.

MORE INFORMATION about the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is at:

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2012/01/about-great-lakes-surf-rescue-project.html

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH – List of Businesses and Organizations is at:

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2011/08/partnerships-great-lakes-surf-rescue.html

In the News – Overall Media Coverage:

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2011/08/overall-media-coverage.html

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Grand Haven Surf Rescue Class

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 6, 2011

Contacts:

Bob Pratt, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, 517-256-4600

Ben McNeil, Wet Mitten Surf Shop, 616-844-3388

Vince Deur, Surfrider Foundation, 616-516-2701

Marty Karish, No Quarter Surfboards, 616-502-9784

Austin Holsinger, Great Lakes Proud, 260-624-5480

Will Beaton, Surf Grand Haven.com, 616 402-2185

Bob Beaton, Great Lakes Surfing Association, 231-865-6118

Dave Benjamin, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Media Relations, 708-903-0166

Grand Haven Surf Rescue Class

Representing the Great Lakes at San Diego Symposium

And “Lifesaver of the Year” Award finalist

GRAND HAVEN, MI – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class hosted August 7 in Grand Haven by several local businesses will be presenting its class at the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11^th Annual Symposium, March 7 – 10, 2012 in San Diego, California. The Surf Rescue Project is also a finalist for the NDPA’s “Lifesaver of the Year” Award.

PRESENTING AT NDPA SYMPOSIUM

The Great Lakes have a short swimming season (typically three months), yet has a high number of drownings each year (87 in 2011; 74 in 2010; a two-year total of 161).

The first “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class for 2012 is slated for Chicago the weekend of June 2-3 in coordination with National Rip Current Awareness week.

NDPA “LIFESAVER OF THE YEAR” AWARD

Bob Pratt and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project have made the "Top 10 Finalist" list for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance's "Lifesaver of the Year" Award. Voting for the winner will be on FaceBook Jan. 4 to 31, 2012. Click on the link below now to read the Lifesaver nomination and then click on the "Thumbs Up" image if you would like to cast your VOTE to support saving lives on the Great Lakes! [NOTE: You can vote once every day until the 31st.]

http://apps.facebook.com/lifesaveroftheyear/contests/144881/voteable_entries/37669564.

LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT HOSTED THE GRAND HAVEN CLASS

Wet Mitten Surf Shop

“Drownings in the Great Lakes are an unfortunate reality that may never be completely eradicated,” said Ben McNeil, Wet Mitten Surf Shop co-owner. “The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s class presents a very creative and practical solution to bring down the number of drownings. I’ve been in rip currents numerous times in different bodies of water,” added McNeil. “Being caught in a rip current is a scary experience that can be deadly if you don't know how to respond. From a very early age, I learned to respect the power of the water.”

Surfrider Foundation, Lake Michigan Chapter

“I know surfers make a difference in saving lives, and we can always learn more,” said Vince Deur, Surfrider Foundation Lake Michigan Chapter co-founder. “Every beach day when we have waves, my heart flutters because I feel like somebody is going to get into trouble.”

No Quarter Surfboards

“I have no problems helping someone out!” said Marty Karish, No Quarter Surfboards owner. “I used to keep count of surf rescues, but it became too many. It’s the norm... just something we lake surfers do.” Karish has been swimming the lakes as long as he can remember and surfing them for almost 25 years. “Actions speak louder than words, and the action of partnering with the surf rescue class gets the word out about Great Lakes water safety and rip current awareness,” Karish added.

Great Lakes Proud

“I cannot remember a summer where the Great Lakes did not play a vital role in my thrill seeking and fun,” said Austin Holsinger, Great Lakes Proud founder. “This surf rescue class is a great opportunity for people who share a similar love for the Great Lakes and the importance of being prepared and ready. I have traveled throughout the world yet never experienced anything quite as extraordinary as what surrounds us here in the Midwest,” Holsinger added. “I am proud of Michigan and the entire Great Lakes region.”

Surf Grand Haven.com

“Rip current drownings are a preventable tragedy that needs to be addressed,” said Will Beaton, Surf Grand Haven owner. “Rip currents are a problem especially when there are inexperienced swimmers in the water. Surfers use rips whenever surfing along piers to get out past the breaks, and surfers are great first responders that may already be in the water before help can arrive,” Beaton added.

Great Lakes Surfing Association

“The Great Lakes drowning situation continues to reach a crisis point,” said Bob Beaton, president Great Lakes Surfing Association. “Over the years we have had many life threatening incidents even on small-wave days.” According to Beaton, water safety activist need to continue to develop lifesaving methods with the number one priority – getting flotation devices to the victims because it takes less than one minute for a swimmer in distress to become fully submerged and a pier wash-off victim seven minutes to survive without a flotation device.

87 GREAT LAKES DROWNINGS IN 2011 – A TWO-YEAR TOTAL OF 161

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION ALLIANCE

MORE INFORMATION about the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is at:

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2012/01/about-great-lakes-surf-rescue-project.html

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH – List of Businesses and Organizations is at:

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2011/08/partnerships-great-lakes-surf-rescue.html

In the News – Overall Media Coverage:

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2011/08/overall-media-coverage.html

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

St. Joe & New Buff Surf Rescue Classes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 4, 2011

Contact:

Ryan Gerard, 574-360-3977

Bob Pratt, 517-256-4600

Dave Benjamin, GLSRP Media Relations, 708-903-0166, dpaulben@hotmail.com

St. Joseph & New Buffalo Surf Rescue Classes

Representing the Great Lakes at San Diego Symposium

And “Lifesaver of the Year” Award Finalist

ST. JOSEPH AND NEW BUFFALO, MI – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class hosted June 5 in St. Joseph and August 28 in New Buffalo by Third Coast Surf Shop will be presenting its class at the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11^th Annual Symposium, March 7 – 10, 2012 in San Diego, California.

“We believe in the value of educating people on the power of rip currents in the Great Lakes,” said Ryan Gerard, Third Coast Surf Shop owner. “The lack of knowledge amongst the general public is astounding.”

“Rip currents can be even more devastating than ocean rips simply because they are not as understood and appreciated as they are on the coasts,” said Gerard. “That is why we see so many drownings in the Great Lakes.”

Gerard has surfed the Great Lakes for 14 years and has assisted swimmers to shore with his surfboard multiple times each year.

PRESENTING AT NDPA SYMPOSIUM

“Presenting allows us to bring the issues unique to the Great Lakes to a national forum,” said Bob Pratt, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project CEO. “Our rip currents are different; they are caused by short fetch windswells, and our piers are solid structures that exacerbate the rip current problem.”

The Great Lakes have a short swimming season (typically three months), yet has a high number of drownings each year (87 in 2011; 74 in 2010; a two-year total of 161).

The first “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class for 2012 is slated for Chicago the weekend of June 2-3 in coordination with National Rip Current Awareness week.

NDPA “LIFESAVER OF THE YEAR” AWARD

Bob Pratt and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project have made the "Top 10 Finalist" list for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance's "Lifesaver of the Year" Award. Voting for the winner will be on FaceBook Jan 4 to 31, 2012. Click on the link now and then click on the "Thumbs Up" image to cast your VOTE to support saving lives on the Great Lakes!

http://apps.facebook.com/lifesaveroftheyear/contests/144881/voteable_entries/37669564.

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ABOUT THIRD COAST SURF SHOP

Since 2005 Third Coast Surf Shop’s mission is to spread the joy of the surfing lifestyle throughout the Great Lakes. With locations in St. Joseph and New Buffalo, MI, Third Coast offers everything needed to experience the surfing lifestyle (a full line of surf and skate gear, rentals, lessons, repair, clothing, and accessories). More information is at www.thirdcoastsurfshop.com.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION ALLIANCE

MORE INFORMATION about the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is at:

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2012/01/about-great-lakes-surf-rescue-project.html

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH – List of Businesses and Organizations is at:

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2011/08/partnerships-great-lakes-surf-rescue.html

In the News – Overall Media Coverage:

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2011/08/overall-media-coverage.html

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

About The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

[Updated 01/15/2013]

Contact:
Dave Benjamin, Executive Director & Public Relations, 708-903-0166

Bob Pratt, Executive Director & Water Safety Expert, 517-643-2553

OVERVIEW

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) that tracks drowning statistics, teaches “Water Safety Surf Rescue” classes, and leads the “Third Coast Ocean Force” rip current awareness campaign on the Great Lakes. To support the work of the GLSRP, please become a member.

The GLSRP will present a SUP Safety class at the National Drowning Prevention Alliance's 12th Annual Symposium, March 2013, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

It presented at the 2nd International Rip Current Symposium Nov. 1st, 2012 in Sydney, Australia; was the 2012 winner of the “Outstanding Service to the Great Lakes Community” award presented by the Dairyland Surf Classic; the 2011 “Lifesaver of the Year” award winner; and presented at the NDPA’s 11th Annual Symposium in San Diego, March 9, 2012.

TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE - all dates to be confirmed soon.

2013 “Water Safety Surf Rescue” class dates and cities:

1. Sat., May 25, Port Washington, WI

2. Sun., May 26, Sheboygan, WI

3. Thur., May 30, New Buffalo, MI (New Buffalo High School)

4. Sat., June 1, Portage, IN (Water Safety Expo with the Park District, DNR, Coast Guard, Fire Department and NWI Paddlers Association)

5. Sat., July 6, Sawyer, MI (Two private beach homeowners associations)

6. Sunday July 7, 10 a.m. at WEKO Beach House, Bridgman, MI

7. Leland, MI (Date coming soon)

8. Cleveland, OH (Date coming soon)

Possible Additional Classes in 2013:

1. Traverse City, MI

2. Frankfort, MI

3. Grand Haven, MI

4. South Haven, MI

5. St. Joseph, MI

6. Chicago, IL

7. Racine, WI

8. Milwaukee, WI

9. Duluth, MN

More…

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Since 2010 approximately 262 people have drowned in the Great Lakes (74 in 2010; 87 in 2011; and 101 in 2012). Rip currents can be responsible for one-third of the drownings. While the Great Lakes have a short swimming season (typically three to four months), it has a high number of drownings each year. Water safety, drowning prevention, and surf rescue techniques are a social responsibility.

THE GREAT LAKES TERRITORY

The Great Lakes are a large target market and vacation destination, which consists of eight states, five lakes, and two countries. Each year over 60 million people year visit the shores of the United States and Canadian Great Lakes (98 state parks, 39 provincial parks, and 12 national parks).

HISTORY

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project began as a group of Great Lakes surfers dedicated to reducing drowning incidents on the Great Lakes. Surfers have a long history of rescues along its coasts, and are often in the water when conditions are most dangerous: high surf and cold water. This group has expanded to include the general public, lifeguards, police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, water rescue team members, dive team members, and members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project consists of four components:

1. The “Water Safety Surf Rescue” class

2. The “Third Coast Ocean Force” Rip Current Awareness PSA Campaign

3. Tracking drowning statistics on the Great Lakes

4. Accomplishments

1. “WATER SAFETY SURF RESCUE” CLASS

The “Water Safety Surf Rescue” class is open to the general public, Surfers, first responders, and professional water rescue personnel.

The “Water Safety Surf Rescue” class will teach participants how to:

· Recognize the danger of the surf environment keeping personal safety as THE primary responsibility – Identifying hazardous conditions

· Understand rip currents; i.e. how, where, and why rip currents occur; How to survive rips;

· Know the “Signs of Drowning” – How to identify a person in trouble from within a crowd.

· Summon help

· Use a surfboard or other flotation device to rescue a person in distress or in a rip current

· React when encountering swimmers who have suffered an injury

· React to an unconscious victim

· Enroll in lifesaving, first aid and CPR training from accredited agencies.

In 2012, 11 Water Safety Surf Rescue classes were held:

1. Sun., June 03, St. Joseph, MI

2. Sat., June 23, Frankfort, MI

3. Sun., June 24, Ogden Dunes, IN

4. Wed., July 11, Coloma, MI – Berrien County Fire Fighters Association

5. Sat., July 21 Duluth, MN

6. Sun., July 29, Washburn, WI – Tom Blake Board Across the Bay Festival

7. Sat., Aug. 4, South Haven, MI

8. Sun., Aug. 5, Grand Haven, MI

9. Mon., Aug 13, Coloma, MI [Private class]

10. Sun., August 19, New Buffalo, MI

11. Sun., Sept. 3, Sheboygan, WI

In 2011, Six Water Safety Surf Rescue classes were held:

1. Silver Beach, St. Joseph, MI (June 5, 2011)

2. Frankfort Beach, Frankfort, MI (July 17, 2011)

3. Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven, MI (July 31, 2011)

4. New Buffalo City Beach, New Buffalo, MI (August 28, 2011)

5. Grand Haven High School, Grand Haven, MI

6. Whiting Park, Whiting, IN (September 18, 2011)

2. “THIRD COAST OCEAN FORCE” RIP CURRENT PSA

The Great Lakes are sometimes referred to as the “Third Coast” of the United States and the “Third Coast” can have "Ocean Force" rip currents when there are waves on the Great Lakes. Each Surf Rescue class provides an opportunity to cause rip current awareness through the classroom as well as media opportunities.

3. TRACKING DROWNINGS ON THE GREAT LAKES - GLSRP - A TRUSTED SOURCE

In 2011, whenever there were Great Lakes drownings, news Medias would contact the GLSRP for quotes on the water conditions on the day of the drownings, the current drowning statistics, rip current safety information, and any new developments with the GLSRP. On January 8, 2012, the Associated Press picked up our 2011 drowning statistics press release (as well as over 100+ Midwest Medias). Google “Great Lakes drownings rise to 87 in 2011” and watch the links populate!)

4. ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A. Selected to present at the 2nd International Rip Current Symposium Nov. 1st, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.

B. “Outstanding Service to the Great Lakes Community” award presented by the Dairyland Surf Classic.

C. Lifesaver of the Year Award

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project's, Bob Pratt, wins Lifesaver of the Year Award Presented by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the USA Swimming Foundation.

D. Presenting at the National Drowning Prevention Alliance Symposium

The GLSRP will be presenting its work at the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11^th Annual Symposium in San Diego, March 7 – 10

E. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project becomes a Chapter of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance

PICTURES of “Water Safety Surf Rescue” Classes

VIDEO

August 8, 2011 – TV News Coverage– Surfers to the Rescue, Grand Haven, MI

FaceBook Page: The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

FaceBook Group: Great Lakes “Third Coast Ocean Force” Group

Bob Pratt Executive Director & Director of Education

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

517-643-2553, water-ratt@comcast.net

Bob Pratt retired as the Fire Marshal for the City of East Lansing, Michigan January 20, 2012 and is leading the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project fulltime. He was also a paramedic / firefighter for 25 years and serves as the lead trainer for the department’s water and ice rescue training. He has taught water safety for several police and fire agencies in Michigan including Lansing Community College’s Police Academy. He has attended the Indiana River Rescue School, and zodiac boat rescue training.

Pratt has served on the Health and Safety Committee for the mid-Michigan Red Cross for 20 years. He has been a Lifeguard Instructor, CPR and First Aid Instructor and serves as a subject matter expert for the media regarding drowning and water safety. He has served as a lifeguard and water safety specialist for many aquatic events including several triathlons, open water swims in Lake Michigan, and the National Championship 10K swim in Harbor Springs.

In 2007, Pratt founded the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project in association with the Great Lakes Surfing Association (GLSA) and began training surfers in lifesaving techniques. The project also researches drowning, specifically rip current drowning on the Great Lakes. He has attended several rip current conferences including the 1st International Rip Current Symposium in Florida (2010). Pratt is a member of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and has attended their national conference. He is also a member of the Great Lakes Beach and Pier Safety Task Force and co-founder of the “Third Coast Ocean Force” rip current awareness campaign. Mr. Pratt lives in East Lansing Michigan with his wife Cynthia, their two children, Jake and Corrine, and his Jack Russell Terrier “Buzzy”.

Dave Benjamin, Executive Director & Public Relations

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

708-903-0166, dpaulben@hotmail.com

Dave’s drowning experience was his inspiration to get involved with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. He is a project manager, public relations specialist, and technical writer with degrees from Eastern Illinois University in English, Professional Writing, Creative Writing, and Business Administration. He is also a Great Lakes surfer and a philanthropist interested in making a difference in people’s lives. In addition to participating in the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, he created the Rich East “Multi-Class Reunion” and “Rockets Reaching Out” fundraiser. With the mission, “Friends for LIFE!” the “Multi-Class Reunion” was created to reunite graduates and friends of ALL classes through bi-annual reunions. The “Rockets Reaching Out” fundraiser component of the Multi-Class Reunion was added because alumni are a community that makes a difference with its classmates. The benefits of the fundraisers are awarded to a Rich East alumnus or family member of a Rich East alumnus to help offset medical costs due to illness or injury. Recipients included a heart transplant fundraiser, esophagus cancer fundraiser, and bacterial meningitis fundraiser.

Great Lakes Representing in San Diego

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 4, 2011

Contact:

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
dpaulben@hotmail.com

Dave Benjamin, Executive Director & Public Relations, 708-903-0166

Bob Pratt, Executive Director, 517-643-2553

www.facebook.com/dave.benjamin

The Great Lakes Representing in San Diego

Surf Rescue Project to Present at 11^th Annual Symposium

GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is excited and proud to announce that it will be presenting its "Water Safety Surf Rescue" class at the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11^th Annual Symposium, March 7 – 10, 2012 in San Diego, California.

The Great Lakes have a short swimming season (typically three months), yet has a high number of drownings each year (87 in 2011; 74 in 2010; a two-year total of 161).

The first “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class for 2012 is slated for Chicago the weekend of June 2-3 in coordination with National Rip Current Awareness week.

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL DROWNING PREVENTION ALLIANCE

MORE INFORMATION about the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH – List of Businesses and Organizations

In the News – Overall Media Coverage