Saturday, August 6, 2011

Wet Mitten partners with Surf Rescue Class

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    August 6, 2011

 

Contact:

Dave Benjamin, Class Organizer
The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
708-903-0166

Wet Mitten Surf Shop
Partners with the "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class

GRAND HAVEN, MI – Wet Mitten Surf Shop announces its partnership with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project for its "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class and "Third Coast Ocean Force" rip current awareness campaign Sunday, August 7, 9:30 a.m. at Grand Haven State Park Pavilion.

“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.”

The “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class is FREE and OPEN to the public.  It will teach 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 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.

“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.  A couple of weeks ago two of our employees even helped distressed swimmers to shore.”

McNeil grew up swimming, surfing, windsurfing, and sailing Lake Michigan.  He and his brother, John, started Wet Mitten Surf Shop in Grand Haven because of their love for the Great Lakes and all the water sports it makes possible. 

“We wanted to create a business around making surfing, paddling, kiting, and other water sports accessible to everyone in and around our community and state.”

ABOUT WET MITTEN SURF SHOP
Since April 2011 Wet Mitten Surf Shop has been specializing in surfing, kite boarding, stand up paddle boarding, skim boarding, long boarding, boogie boarding, equipment rentals, lessons, and surf apparel in Grand Haven, MI to support a strong and growing surf culture.

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