GLSRP's Third Coast Ocean Force: August 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Drownings Reach 62 & Rip Alert Labor Day Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30, 2011

Contact:

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

· Dave Benjamin, Class Organizer & Media Relations

708-903-0166; dpaulben@hotmail.com; http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/

· Bob Pratt, Class Instructor & Water Safety Expert

517-256-4600

Deadliest Weekend - Great Lakes Drownings Reach 62

Labor Day Weekend Rip Current Alerts!

GREAT LAKES, USA – Last weekend was the deadliest rip current weekend in 2011. Five people drowned in Lake Michigan, bringing its total to 31. Overall, Great Lakes drownings has reached 62.

The Latest drowning victim

Valparaiso University student, Rayan Sami A Bokhari, is the 62nd person to drown in the Great Lakes in 2011. Bokhari, and eight friends, all VU students, had arrived at Porter Beach after being turned away from Indiana Dunes State Park because swimming was restricted due to high waves and rip currents. His body was recovered Monday afternoon after he went missing at Porter Beach.

Ryan Gerard, the owner of Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo and St. Joseph, MI was at the beach at the time of the incident.

“We witnessed the recovery efforts and his friends frantically searching from the beach. It was sad, but there was nothing anyone could do once his head dipped under the last time,” said Ryan Gerard. “Nobody knew where he was. Talk about a helpless feeling.”

To Wilmette, IL resident, Steve Fuchs, Great Lakes drownings are hard to understand because he’s a surfer that recently moved from Los Angeles. The west coast does not see these drowning numbers because of ocean lifeguards and public awareness about the surf conditions.

“It's a major issue around the Great Lakes,” said Steve Fuchs. “I had no idea. It is borderline bizarre.”

“Lake Michigan is not dangerous if you are prepared to handle the conditions. Many surfers dream for huge waves, wind, and the conditions that the general public is not prepared to handle,” Fuchs added. “The Great Lakes need to be treated like the third coast of the United States. At times the waves and currents feel exactly like beaches in California.

According to Fuchs, educating Great Lakes communities about the wide range of quickly changing water conditions, rip current awareness, and coordination with the existing civic support infrastructure and schools, is a key component to saving lives, preventing community hysteria, and learning to protect and enjoy each weather and wave personality of the Great Lakes.

RIP CURRENTS ALERT

With Labor Day Weekend approaching, The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is issuing Lake Michigan Rip Current Alerts for the entire weekend.

Whenever there are winds over the Great Lakes, there are waves. Wherever there are waves, there are rip currents. South / southwest winds are forecasted to blow all day Friday and strong north / northeast winds are forecasted to blow Saturday through Monday.

What to do if caught in a rip.

If you're caught in a rip current, don't panic or swim against the current. Flip, float, and follow the current to assess which way the current is pulling you. Then swim parallel or diagonally to shore until you are out of the current.

Drowning statistics below:

2011Great Lakes Drownings

(62 as of 08/29/11)

(Info provided by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project)

LAKE MICHIGAN:

1. Sat 1/1 Michael Hilling 19-M Chicago Retrieving object

2. Wed 2/2 Peter Davis 60-M Chicago Unknown

3. Mon 2/14 Casey Palmer 23-M Milwaukee Walk on ice

4. Fri 4/8 Sarah Goenne 61-M Chicago Fall from dock

5. Mon 4/11 Jane Doe 13-F Kenosha Pier Jump

6. Sun 5/22 Terrell Burton 19-M St. Joe Pier jump

7. Wed 6/8 Jorge Martinez 55-M Chicago swimming

8. Sun 6/19 John Doe 5-M Chicago Fall from pier

9. Fri 6/29 Steven Link 42-M Sheboygan WI Step-off

10. Sat 7/2 Timothy Judge 44-M Muskegon Scuba

11. Sun 7/3 Tyon McNeil 5-M Covert Unknown

12. Mon. 7/4 Chris Szmajlo 29-M Chicago Boating

13. Fri. 7/15 Jane Doe ?-F Racine Unknown

14. Fri. 7/15 Mark Tuthill 47-M Portage Step off

15. Sun 7/17 Marche Wilburn 6-F Gary Ind. Unknown

16. Sun 7/17 Mark Morley 51-M Charlevoix Sailing

17. Sun 7/17 Suzanne Bickel 41-F Charlevoix Sailing

18. Wed 7/27 Sharon Walsh 69-F Chicago unknown

19. Mon 8/1 Javier Rivera 19-M Chicago Swimming

20. Tues 8/2 Chandra Aravind 33-M Chicago Boating

21. Wed 8/3 Delilah Hope Perez 13-F Pentwater rip current

22. Sun 8/7 Martin Perez 8-M Mich. City rip current

23. Tues 8/9 Daniel Reed 46-M Saugatuck rip current

24. Tues 8/9 Bradley Stoner 22-M Saugatuck rip current

25. Wed 8/10 Brett Vanetten 20-M Gary rip current

26. Thur 8/18 Dolsey Squires 41-F Northport Beach possible rip current

27. Sat 8/27 Willie Bogan 11-M Racine rip current

28. Sat 8/27 Pawel Lesney 33-M Gary IN rip current

29. Sat 8/27 Tristan Shambee 14-M Wilmette rip current

30. Sun 8/28 Robert Klepacki 44 Hagar rip current

31. Sun 8/28 Rayan Sami Bokhari 22 Porter rip current

LAKE ERIE

32. Sun 5/22 Donald Morrow 55-M East Harbor Fall from dock (etoh)

33. Tues 6/14 Susan Zatek 55-F Monroe Fishing

34. Tues 6/28 Zachary Wadding 18-M Ripley N.Y. Rip Current

35. Tues 6/28 Joselito Irizarry 30-M Edgewater Pier Jump

36. Sun 7/3 Daniel Abel 53-M Kelley’s Isle Boating

37. Thur. 7/20 Herman Teichroeb 24-M Port Burwell Swimming

38. Tues. 7/26 Aiden Nicoll 7-M Presque Isle rip current

39. Wed. 7/27 John Doe 27-M Presque Isle Swimming from boat

40. Sun 7/31 John Doe ??-M Kelleys Island Swimming from boat

41. Sun 7/31 Darylle Phoeur 17-M Avon Lake Rip Current

42. Tues 8/23 Antron Davis 25-M Cleveland unknown

LAKE SUPERIOR:

43. Tues 6/7 Kevin Dammen 20-M Apostle Islands Kayaking

44. Mon 7/11 Monty Lyons 42-M Duluth unknown

LAKE ONTARIO:

45. Tues 1/4 Porter Simpson 7-M Niagara on the Lake Unknown

46. Sat 2/6 John Doe ?-M Toronto Unknown

47. Sat 6/25 John Doe 30’s-M Toronto Unknown

48. Sat 7/2 Jane Doe 50’s-F Toronto Unknown

49. Sun 7/17 Visu Vimalan 48-M Trenton Ont. Rip Current

50. Sun 7/17 John Doe 35-M Toronto Swim from boat

51. Sun 7/17 John Doe 29-M Wasaga Beach Ont. PWC

52. Tues 7/19 Uche Chuks’ 13-F Hamilton Ont. swimming from dock

53. Tues 7/26 Shaylean Richards 32-F Fair Haven rip current

54. Mon 8/1 John Doe 49-M Sandbanks rip current

55. Sat 8/20 John Doe 25-M Rochester unknown

LAKE HURON:

56. Sat 2/26 Robert Quesnelle 40-M Georgian Bay Snowmobiling

57. Mon 4/18 James McComb II 20-M Port Austin Wash from pier

58. Sun 7/24 Jason McLeod 20-M Port Franks Swimming

59. Sun 7/31 Jan Raczychi 49-F Tobermory Scuba

60. Mon 8/1 Donald Dorey 42-M Long Point unknown

61. Thurs 8/11 Jason McDonough 36-M Sauble Beach unknown

LAKE ST. CLAIR:

62. Sat 4/23 Hassen Randel 37-M Black Creek Fishing (boat)

One Lake Michigan case pending: He did drown and survived. As of 8/8/2011, he still might be in hospital in serious to critical condition. Not sure? Hope he’s recovering well.

63. Mon 8-1 Mark Urness 53-M Frankfort rip current (CPR)

###

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

http://david-benjamin.blogspot.com/2011/08/more-info-great-lakes-surf-rescue.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

TAGS: Great Lakes, Lake Michigan, Rip Current, Surf, Surfing, Rescue, drowning, Third Coast, Water Safety,

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Overall Media Coverage

[Updated February 28, 2012]

TV / VIDEO

February 8, 2012 – ABC 57

Hero from New Buffalo beach rescue getting national honor –

'Lifesaver of the Year' award by National Drowning Prevention Alliance

Side Note: The class was originally targeted to surfers, but it had a broader audience attending. The audience consisted of the general public as young as 9 years old to a 78 year old grandfather. T...he audience also consisted of surfers, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, water rescue team members, dive team members, and the Coast Guard.

August 31, 2011 – WSBT

Great Lakes surfers save drowning victims

August 7, 2011 – WZZM 13

Surfers to the Rescue

June 6, 2011

Lifeguard4life blog: Video “Lifesaving for Surfers” – Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class’ water session

http://vimeo.com/24702058

June 5, 2011

WNDU News Spot - Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project's "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class on the beach.

RADIO

January 11, 2012
87 Great Lakes Drownings
Lakeshore Public Radio with Steve Walsh, WLPR, 89.1 FM, out of Merrillville, IN
http://www.thelakeshorefm.com/

January 10, 2012
Report: 87 People Succumbed To Great Lakes Waters In 2011
http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/17588

By Linda Stephan
There were 87 people who died by drowning last year in Great Lakes waters, according to numbers reported by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

A significant number of swimmers were caught in rip currents. Project CEO Bob Pratt says safety experts are still learning about rip-current survival, but there's some evidence to suggest the best thing for a swimmer to do if caught in a rip current is to stop swimming.

"The Mackinac Rip Current group uses the term, flip float and follow, he says. "It's kind of like stop, drop and roll that the fire service uses.

"So they want you to flip over on your back, and float with the current and follow the current. And in many cases the current will actually bring you back into the shore. And it's really panic that kills people."

More than half of the drownings last year in Great Lakes waters happened on Lake Michigan, most toward population centers near the southern end of the lake. Pratt also says waves tend to be larger toward the southern end of the lake.

But rip currents can also be a problem in northern Lake Michigan.

"In the northern areas we also see drownings due to fishing, and kayaking, and boating and things," he says.

In 2011, there were drownings in northern Michigan off the coast of Frankfort, Northport, Traverse City and Charlevoix.

Pratt says numbers are up this year over 2010, though it's not clear whether that is simply because the group is doing a better job of collecting information.

January 6, 2012
Member of Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Nominated for Award
http://www.wsjm.com/Member-Of-Great-Lakes-Surf-Rescue-Project-Nominate/11929750
Andrew Green Reporting
A member of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is one of ten finalists for the Lifesaver of the Year Award from a group called the Drowning Prevention Alliance. Bob Pratt helped to pull a struggling child out of Lake Michigan back in August, right after the Surf Rescue Project had just completed a training session on the dangers of rip currents. The Rescue Project's Dave Benjamin was there:

[AUDIO CLIP]
The child was OK, and now the public can vote for Pratt to receive the Lifesaver of the Year Award on Facebook. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is a group of Lake Michigan surfers who train others like them on how to use their surfboards as flotation devices to help people who may be drowning. It also works to educate the public on rip currents, and how to recognize struggling swimmers. Benjamin says that, already, he feels the organization has been effective in getting its message out. He's hoping to see Pratt win the Drowning Prevention Alliance award, as it could lead to more attention for the group and, therefore, a sponsor for the 14 training sessions it has planned for 2012. Now here's the address of the Facebook page where you can vote for the Lifesaver of the Year:
http://apps.facebook.com/lifesaveroftheyear/contests/144881/voteable_entries/37669564

August 29, 2011

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Helps Prevent Drowning Over Weekend

http://www.wsjm.com/Great-Lakes-Surf-Rescue-Project-Helps-Prevent-Drow/10763663

Andrew Green Reporting

We've told you before about a group that's working to teach surfers how to use their boards to save distressed swimmers in Lake Michigan. Well, just the other day, the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project got to do just that in New Buffalo and prevented a possible tragedy. Organizer Dave Benjamin says that a class instructor spotted a boy struggling with a rip current, literally minutes after their training session had ended:

[RADIO CLIP]

Benjamin says the boy was displaying the signs of drowning in the thick surf -- facing shore, mouth at water level, and making a "climbing a ladder" motion. He says that he generally didn't think it was a good idea to be swimming in Lake Michigan given the conditions on Sunday:

[RADIO CLIP]

Benjamin says that the Surf Rescue Project is attracting interest not only from surfers, but also just from anyone who wants to know about rip currents. People who showed up Sunday included parents, police officers, firefighters, and members of the county dive team. They're planning another class for the Chicago side of the lake in September.

August 23, 2011

More Rip Current Training for Surfers Planned for New Buffalo

http://www.wsjm.com/More-Rip-Current-Training-For-Surfers-Planned-In-N/10712419

Andrew Green Reporting

Another training session is planned for New Buffalo this Sunday for Great Lakes surfers to learn how to recognize and rescue swimmers who are struggling in Lake Michigan. Dave Benjamin, with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, tells WSJM that there's already been a class in Saint Joseph, where attendees were taught all about rip currents -- the number one cause of Great Lakes drownings -- and how they can use their surf boards, or anything else, as flotation devices to save the distressed. The program is expanding to more than just surfers, though:

[RADIO CLIP]

Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo will host the Surf Rescue Project's next "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class and "Third Coast Ocean Force" rip current awareness campaign Sunday, August 28th, at nine-30 AM, at Lions Pavilion Park and New Buffalo City Beach. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.

August 8, 2011

More Rip Current Training for Surfers Planned in New Buffalo

http://www.wsjm.com/More-Rip-Current-Training-For-Surfers-Planned-In-N/10712419

Andrew Green Reporting

[Radio clip]

August 5, 2011

Free Safety Class Planned for Great Lake Surfers

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/08/05/free-safety-class-planned-for-great-lakes-surfers/

WBBM Newsradio’s Bernie Tafoya reports

HOLLAND, Mich. (CBS) — If you have the time to drive out to Holland, Mich., this weekend, you might want to take part in a surfer rescue and rip current awareness class — especially after the rough week on that side of Lake Michigan this week.

As WBBM Newsradio’s Bernie Tafoya reports, just Wednesday, 28 people were plucked from Lake Michigan in the Holland area, all because they were caught in rip currents. Dave Benjamin of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project says a free class is being offered Sunday morning at the Grand Haven State Park pavilion.

[RADIO CLIP]

“It’s going to teach the average beachgoer about water safety and rip current awareness, and it’s going to teach the surfers how to use their surfboard as a life-saving device,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin says if you happen to get caught in a rip current in the lake, try to stay calm and don’t fight against the current. But do try to swim along the shoreline to try to get out of the current, and try to signal someone for help.

The real season for lake surfers doesn’t take off until after Labor Day, but Benjamin says many surfers take advantage of good lake waves whenever they can get them.

July 5, 2011,

Interlochen Public Radio, Tom Kramer

June 4, 2011

WJYS Radio Phone interview

NEWSPAPER

02/08/2012

Retired East Lansing fire marshal named Lifesaver of the Year by National Drowning Prevention Alliance

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2012/02/retired_east_lansing_fire_mars.html

02/07/2012

WSYM-TV FOX 47 Lansing

Retired East Lansing Fire Marshal Named "Lifesaver of the Year"

http://www.dailydispatch.com/StateNews/MI/2012/February/07/Retired.East.Lansing.Fire.Marshal.Named.Lifesaver.of.the.Year.aspx

02/06/2012

Eastern Surf Magazine

Ret. Fire Marshal Wins Lifesaver Of The Year Award

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/020612b.html

02/06/2012

Retired Fire Marshal Named "Lifesaver of the Year"

http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/Retired_Fire_Marshall_Named_Lifesaver_of_the_Year_138797759.html

January 9, 2012

Group: Great Lakes drownings rise to 87 in 2011
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8495842

January 8, 2012
Drownings up across Great Lakes in 2011, flat in Muskegon County
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/drownings_up_across_great_lake.html

January 7, 2012
State might require warnings at beaches - Flags would indicate water condition
"In 2011, 44 people drowned in Lake Michigan; 87 people drowned in the Great Lakes, an increase from 74 in 2010."
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20120107/NEWS01/201070305/State-might-require-warnings-beaches

January 5, 2012
High number of drownings reported in Lake Michigan
http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/High_number_of_drownings_reported_in_Lake_Michigan_136769598.html?storySection=comments

September 5, 2011
Man drowns in Lake Michigan off New Buffalo beach
http://www.wndu.com/weather/headlines/Man_drowns_in_Lake_Michigan_off_New_Buffalo_beach_129272398.html

September 2, 2011

Surfers are prepared to help this weekend; Rip currents forecast along Lake Michigan.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sbt-20110902sbtmicha-01-04-20110902,0,1265527.story

September 2, 2011

Coast Guard: Watch For Rip Currents In Lake Michigan

The Coast Guard says this summer, 43 people have drowned on Lake Michigan, including five people just last weekend - a 44-year-old Wheeling man, a 14-year-old Evanston near Gillson Park in Wilmette, and a student from Valparaiso University. [In the latest on-air broadcast of this report, Bernie added, "According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, overall 62 people have drowned in the Great Lakes."

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/09/02/coast-guard-watch-for-rip-currents-in-lake-michigan/

September 1, 2011
Surfers group ready to help this weekend; Rip currents forecast along Lake Michigan
http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2011-09-01/news/30104325_1_current-warnings-rip-currents-forecast-surfers

September 1, 2011

Potential drowning prevented

http://www.wndu.com/mobi/news?storyid=128598138

September 1, 2011

Lake Michigan drownings have officials urging vigilance

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110901/news/709019789/

“It's not the rip current that pulls you under,” said Bob Pratt, creator of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, which works to educate people on safe practices in dangerous water. “If you can avoid panic, your chances of survival are a lot greater. Roll over and float on your back until its over.”

September 1, 2011

Lake Michigan rip currents will be dangerous this weekend

http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1069103538/Lake-Michigan-rip-currents-will-be-dangerous-this-weekend

September 1, 2011

Recent Lake Michigan Drownings Prompt Labor Day Safety Alert

Half of the 62 Great Lakes drownings this summer have occurred in Lake Michigan.

http://wilmette.patch.com/articles/recent-lake-michigan-drownings-prompt-labor-day-safety-alerts

September 1, 2011

Recent Lake Michigan Drownings Prompt Labor Day Safety Alert

Half of the 62 Great Lakes drownings this summer have occurred in Lake Michigan.

http://wilmette.patch.com/articles/recent-lake-michigan-drownings-prompt-labor-day-safety-alerts

September 1, 2011

Great Lakes surfers save drowning victims

http://www.wsbt.com/news/wsbt-great-lakes-surfers-train-to-prevent-drownings-20110831,0,4370207.story

August 31, 2011

Rescue class participant makes rip-tide rescue in lake

http://www.harborcountry-news.com/articles/2011/09/02/news/doc4e5e6e9c3dab0491329917.txt

August 29, 2011

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Helps Prevent Drowning Over Weekend

http://www.wsjm.com/Great-Lakes-Surf-Rescue-Project-Helps-Prevent-Drow/10763663

August 28, 2011

Man’s drowning marks 57 on Michigan's Great Lakes

Last Sunday - "North Berrien Fire Rescue team members had just returned from a surf safety class in New Buffalo. Still geared up, they raced to the beach, arriving within minutes of the call." Unfortunately still too late. That’s how fast drowning happens. Great Lakes Drownings are now up to 63! http://www.abc57.com/home/top-stories/Mans-drowning-marks-57-on-Lake-Michigan-128569833.html

August 25, 2011

Surf rescue class planned in NB – Instruction to promote awareness of rip currents

http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2011/08/25/local_news/6215466.txt

August 25, 2011

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Requests To Present At The National
http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/082511c.html

August 23, 2011

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Requests To Present At The National
	Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11th Annual Symposium

Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11th Annual Symposium

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Requests To Present At The National
	Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11th Annual Symposium

Third Coast Surf Shop’s Continued Partnership

With The "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" Class Sun., Aug. 28, New Buffalo, MI

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/082311e.html

August 20, 2011

This Week in Harbor County

http://www.lakerealtors.us/blog/This+Week+in+Harbor+Country

If you are interested in understanding the dangers of the lake, this is a great opportunity. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project will host a 'Surf Rescue class Sunday August 28th, at the Lions Park Pavilion in New Buffalo. Get started early with a class for assessing surf conditions, rip current education, and beach safety. This class starts at 9:30 am, is free, and open to all.

August 16, 2011

Surf Rescue classes

http://www.harborcountry-news.com/articles/2011/08/16/community/notes/doc4e4b3ea4800aa261720078.txt

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project will host a “Surf Rescue” class Sunday, August 28, 2011, at the Lions Pavilion Park, New Buffalo.

There will be a meet-and-greet at 9:30 a.m.; a classroom session for assessing surf conditions, rip current education, beach safety and rescue techniques a t 10 a.m.; and a water session to practice hands-on surf rescue techniques at 11:15 a.m.

Participants can attend the classroom session and do not have to attend the water session. The class is free and open to the public.

August 12, 2011

Scary Statistics

http://blog.thirdcoastsurfshop.com/2011/08/scary-statistics.html

August 11, 2011

Divers recover body of Illinois man

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/article_be3bef26-c32a-514e-8494-1656fbcad6fd.html

GARY | The body of a New Lenox, Ill., man who disappeared Wednesday in choppy waters off Wells Street Beach, was recovered from Lake Michigan on Thursday afternoon.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Officer Gene Davis said Brett Vanetten, 20, was found at 12:48 p.m. in about 7 feet of water, approximately a quarter mile west of where he was last seen.

Vanetten was presumed drowned after he disappeared while swimming with friends shortly after 2 p.m. A riptide risk was in effect Wednesday, making conditions dangerous for swimming. The search for Vanetten was called off at 7 p.m. Wednesday before resuming Thursday morning.

Vanetten's death marks 52 drownings in the Great Lakes this year, 25 of which were in Lake Michigan said Dave Benjamin, spokesman for the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Last year, there were 74 drownings in the Great Lakes. Benjamin, of Matteson, Ill., who has been surfing in the Great Lakes for two years and swimming in them for more than 40, said he's noticed anytime the lakes are good for surfing there's always news of drownings as well. He calls that association "heartbreaking."

Davis said DNR officials located the body on side-scan sonar and divers from the Lake County Aquatics Team recovered the body.

The Lake County marine unit and Lake County Sheriff's Department helicopter also participated in the search.

A Porter County Sheriff's Department chaplain was also at the scene with family members of the missing man.

Benjamin said to prevent being dragged out by a rip current, swimmers should respect the warning flags. The standard advice has been to swim parallel to the shore to get out of the rip current. Benjamin also advises swimmers to flip on their back, float and follow the current. That way, you're not using all of your energy fighting the rip current.

"Really respect the power of the lakes," he said. "If the water looks like a washing machine, don't get in it."

August 11, 2011

New Lennox 20 year old drowns – Drownings Uptick to 53

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/081111b.html

August 11, 2011

Veteran swimmer offers tips to battle rip currents

http://www.oceanaheraldjournal.com/news.php?story_id=42329#comments

A veteran Great Lakes swimmer and recent surfer offered tips early this week to help people get out of rip currents.

According to Dave Benjamin, of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, as difficult as it might be, the first thing people need to do after being caught in a rip current is to stay calm. Benjamin said don’t fight the current and advised that people flip onto their backs, float and follow the current and then swim parallel with the shoreline until they are free. He said instinct tells people caught in rip currents to swim directly back to shore, but what happens is they can become tired and can lose the battle.

“Sometimes, a rip current will bring you back to shore if you float long enough,” Benjamin said.

Rip currents tend to be stronger along jetting walls and piers, Benjamin said, as water flows in along the walls and back out.

“The current occurs at the surface of the water,” Benjamin said. “You want to get out of the current and get away from the wall.”

Benjamin also offered tips for those attempting rescues. He said if people see a person in distress, make sure someone calls 9-1-1 before leaving the beach. He also said would -be rescuers will need to assess their swimming abilities and make sure to take something along that floats such as a cooler, surfboard, or tackle box. Once a person is in distress, Benjamin said, they could submerge within 30-60 seconds.

“Many would-be rescuers can become drowning victims,” Benjamin said. “There’s always items on the beach or on the pier that can be used as a flotation device.”

If using a surfboard during a rescue attempt, Benjamin said to make sure to keep the board between yourself and the person in distress, and never turn over the tether to the person in trouble.

The organization has conducted several surfing safety class at various locations this summer, but nothing is planned for this area at the present time.

August 11, 2011

Looking like another record year for 2011

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/081011c.html

August 9, 2011

Surfers learn lifesaving techniques

http://www.grandhaventribune.com/content/surfers-learn-lifesaving-techniques

Grand Haven

Sgt. Clint Holt of the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety was among the 22 people who attended the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class at the Grand Haven State Park pavilion on Sunday.

“Surfers are the first-responders,” Holt said. “We’re thankful for you being out there. (You) even rescued one of our own once.”

Participants at the rescue class were taught how to recognize the danger of the surf environment, how to survive rip currents, 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.

“Surfers make hundreds of rescues per year,” instructor Bob Pratt said. “This training is geared for surfers who are in a unique position to rescue people because they have a floatation device.

To read more of this story, see today’s print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.

August 8, 2011

2011 Great Lakes Drownings Reach 49, An Increase Of 2 From This Time Last Year

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/080811c.html

August 8, 2011

Rip Currents a danger in Great Lakes

http://record-eagle.com/local/x2144279972/Rip-currents-a-danger-in-Great-Lakes

August 8, 2011

Surfboard rescue class can be lifesaver

http://record-eagle.com/features/x1552633071/Surfboard-rescue-class-can-be-lifesaver

August 5, 2011

Surfrider Foundation Partners With The "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" Class

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/080511e.html

August 4, 2011

No Quarter Surfboards Partners With The "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" Class

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/080411c.html

August 4, 2011

Free Safety Class Planned for Great Lakes Surfers

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/08/05/free-safety-class-planned-for-great-lakes-surfers/

August 3, 2011

Great Lakes Surfing Association Partners with the "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/080311c.html

August 3, 2011

Grand Haven Tribune

Surfboard Rescue Techniques class is Sunday

http://www.grandhaventribune.com/content/surfboard-rescue-techniques-class-sunday

August 2, 2011

Great Lakes Proud Partners with the "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/080211m.html

August 1, 2011

Grand Haven Surf Rescue Class

http://events.grnow.com/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=172613&year=2011&month=08

August 1, 2011

Grand Haven Surf Rescue Class

http://www.visitgrandhaven.com/index.php?catid=16&topicid=6

August 1, 2011

Surfrider – Great Lakes Chapter

Great Lakes Rescue Project presents:

Surfboard Rescue Techniques Class at Grand Haven State Park

http://www.surfriderlakemichigan.org/events/great_lakes_rescue_project_presents_surfboard_rescue_techniques_class_at_gr

August 1, 2011

Drowning incidents rise across Great Lakes

http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/Drowning_incidents_rise_across_Great_Lakes_126535273.html

July 30, 2011

Surfboard Rescue Techniques class to take place Aug. 7

1260 am, The Pledge

http://wpnw.com/statenews/surfboard-rescue-techniques-class-to-take-place-aug-7/

July 29, 2011

Muskegon Chronicle

Surfboard Rescue Techniques class to take place Aug. 7

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/07/surfboad_rescue_techniques_cla.html

July 28, 2011

Grand Haven Tribune

Surfboard Rescue Techniques subject of safety demonstration

http://www.mlive.com/grand-haven/index.ssf/2011/07/hold_sufboard_rescue_technique.html

July 25, 2011

Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce

Surfboard Rescue Techniques Class by The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

http://www.grandhavenchamber.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=122#surf

July 13, 2011

Beach Nut Surf Shop Partners With The "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" Class

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/071311c.html

June 16, 2011

Third Coast Ocean Force Aims to Prevent Great Lakes Drownings

http://www.landmarkeducationnews.com/2011/06/16/third-coast-ocean-force-aims-to-prevent-great-lakes-drownings/#more-4293

July 9, 2011

Great Lakes Surfer Magazine

Interested in learning some rescue techniques for those in danger at the beach??

http://glsmag.tumblr.com/

July 7, 2011

Classroom Host - Surfboard Rescue Class – Betsie Bay Inn

http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/070811f.html

July 7 2011

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes drownings reach 23, up one from this time last year

http://greatlakesecho.org/2011/07/07/great-lakes-drownings-reach-23-up-one-from-this-time-last-year/

June 7, 2011

Sweetwater Salvation – Third Coast Surf Shop Blog: “Surfers Save Lives (pic and vid)”

http://blog.thirdcoastsurfshop.com/2011/06/surfers-save-lives-pic-and-vid.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

July 6, 2011

Great Lakes Drowning incidents up

http://www.myfitv.com/videos/1353426/wndu-south-bend-in-great-lakes-drowning-incidents-up

July 6, 2011

Great Lakes drowning incidents up

http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Great_Lakes_drowning_incidents_up_125107849.html

July 6, 2011

Program Aims To Train Surfers To Rescue Drowning Swimmers

http://www.wsjm.com/Program-Aims-To-Train-Surfers-To-Rescue-Drowning-S/10294347

July 5, 2011

Surfboard Rescue Techniques Class

http://www.upnorthlive.com/community/press_release.aspx?id=639053

June 6, 2011

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project educates surfers

http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/123187808.html

June 6, 2011

Lifeguard4life blog: “Lifesaving for Surfers” Great Lakes – Surf Rescue Project

http://www.lifeguard4life.com/2011/06/lifesaving-for-surfers.html

June 5, 2011

Herald Palladium feature “Surfers ready to become lifesavers”

http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2011/06/06/local_news/5110156.txt

June 3, 2011

Great Lakes Echo feature “Ocean-force rip currents threaten Great Lakes swimmers”

http://greatlakesecho.org/2011/06/03/ocean-force-rip-currents-threaten-great-lakes-swimmers-water-safety-effort-tries-to-breach-lifeguard-gap/

May 25, 2011

Surfboard Rescue Techniques Class

http://blog.thirdcoastsurfshop.com/2011/05/surfboard-rescue-technique-class.html