GLSRP's Third Coast Ocean Force: January 2012

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Pictures - 2011's Surf Rescue Classes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 26, 2012

Contact:

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

Dave Benjamin, Operations & Public Relations, 708-903-0166

Bob Pratt, Executive Director, 517-643-2553

Pictures From 2011’s Surf Rescue Classes

Classroom Sessions and Water Sessions

GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project releases some pictures from its 2011 surf rescue classes. In 2011, the GLSRP hosted six “Water Safety & Surf Rescue Techniques” classes (five in Michigan and one in Indiana), spearheaded a yearlong rip current awareness campaign (100+ media mentions), and tracked 87 drownings (23 by rip current).

Each surf rescue class was free and open to the public and consisted of a classroom session and a water session. The classes taught participants how to:

Recognize the danger of the surf environment;
Understand and survive rip currents (i.e. how, where, and why rip currents occur);
Know the “Signs of Drowning”;
Use throw rings, throw ropes, a surfboard or other flotation devices to rescue a person in distress or in a rip current.

The class participants included the general public, vacationers, surfers, residents, police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, water rescue team members, dive team members, and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. The ages ranged from nine years old to a 78 year-old grandfather.

In 2012, there are 14 “Water Safety & Surf Rescue” classes slated for Great Lakes beaches (details coming soon). Additional classes are being offered to Swim Clubs around the Great Lakes as well (details coming soon).

Links below:

PICTURES of “Water Safety Surf Rescue” Classes

VIDEO

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

###

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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

The GLSRP’s Executive Directo, Bob Pratt NDPA “Lifesaver of the Year” Award ‘Top 10’ Finalist

###

MORE INFORMATION about the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH – List of Businesses and Organizations

In the News – Overall Media Coverage

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Fire Marshal Retires - Takes Helm of Surf Rescue Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 19, 2012

Contact:

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

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

Bob Pratt, Executive Director, 517-643-2553

Fire Marshal Retires and Takes Helm of Surf Rescue Project to San Diego,

Is a “Lifesaver of the Year” Award Top 10 Finalist, and

Will be representing the Great Lakes at San Diego Symposium

LANSING, MI – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project would like to congratulate Fire Marshal Bob Pratt for his 25 plus years of service with the East Lansing Fire Department. Throughout his career he responded to emergencies as a firefighter and paramedic and also became a member of the Fire Prevention Bureau educating the public, investigating fires, and conducting inspections.

“I saved more lives as Fire Marshal than I did as a firefighter,” said Bob Pratt. “It’s easier to prevent the fire from happening than it is to respond after the fact and try to control it.”

Pratt’s passion for saving lives will continue after his retirement from the fire department as he takes the chief executive officer position with the organization he founded, the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project” (GLSRP). The GLSRP gives Pratt an opportunity to return to his lifesaving roots as a lifeguard.

“Oh how I loved being a lifeguard. To actually save lives with your own hands. There’s nothing like it,” Pratt quoted from his friend and mentor Dr. Dorian Paskowitz’s book, “Surfing and Health”.

“As I transition to my new career, we as an organization can have a similar impact,” Pratt added. “The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project has a single goal TO SAVE LIVES.”

“Everything we do is pointed toward this end. All of the education, all of the data collection, all the advocacy, all the meetings are singularly united in the desire to save lives. Our teaching, our data, our passion will live on in those who share our common goal. For those of you who love the Great Lakes and drowning prevention, please consider joining us.”

The public is invited to Bob's retirement reception, which will take place today from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at East Lansing Fire Department Station 1, 1700 Abbott Road, East Lansing.

“LIFESAVER OF THE YEAR” AWARD ‘TOP 10’ FINALISTS

Bob Pratt is a ‘Top 10 Finalist’ for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s “Lifesaver of the Year” Award. Pratt will also be presenting the work of the GLSRP at the NDPA’s 11^th Annual Symposium in San Diego, March 7 – 10.

Lifesaver of the Year Voting is through FaceBook. To cast your VOTE, click on the link below, “Like” the NDPA Fan Page, and then click on the "Thumbs Up" image next to the “Bob Pratt Surf Rescue” photo (FYI: You can vote once per day till Jan. 31, 2012. Every vote every day counts.)

Pratt has been nominated for this prestigious award because his organization spent the summer of 2011 campaigning Great Lakes rip current awareness, beach and water safety, tracking Great Lakes drowning statistics, teaching “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” classes along the coast of Lake Michigan, and even a surf rescue in New Buffalo.

His classes were taught to the average beach goer, lifeguards, police officers, fire fighters, water rescue teams and dive team members. A member of the U.S. Coast Guard even attended the July 17 class in Frankfort, MI.

On August 28 approximately 30 minutes after teaching his “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class in New Buffalo, MI, Bob and one of his class participants, Nick Rymut, rescued a boy drowning in a rip current. (Nick made the initial contact with the boy and Bob assisted – teaching all the way. Rescue Pictures; Class pictures)

Nick, a firefighter and paramedic, for the Lockport Township Fire Department in Illinois was catching some surf after the class and immediately jumped into action when he saw the boy caught in the rip current.

The boy was displaying the signs of drowning in the thick surf – facing shore, mouth at water level, a terrified look in his face, and ‘climbing the ladder’ motion in the water.

Bob was standing on shore near a lifeguard stand speaking with a lifeguard and New Buffalo police officers when he saw the boy displaying the signs too. He then sprinted into the water to assist.

Lake Michigan waters can often have “washing machine” surf filled with flash rips, which creates a nearly impossible escape without some type of flotation device. In 2010, 74 people drowned in the Great Lakes primarily due to rip currents. As of November 30, 2011, there have been 85 Great Lakes drownings.

There are now requests for Bob to bring The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s, “Surfboard Rescue Techniques Class” to 14 cities on the Great Lakes in 2012 (Frankfort, Grand Haven, St. Joseph, and New Buffalo, MI; Michigan City, Portage, and Whiting, IN; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee and Sheboygan, WI; Duluth, MN; and Sherkston, Canada).

Bob’s dedication for Great Lakes rip current awareness, beach and water safety, tracking Great Lakes drowning statistics, and teaching surf rescue classes will be on the forefront of drowning prevention throughout the Midwest in 2012.

Voting is through FaceBook. To cast your VOTE, click on the link below, “Like” the NDPA Fan Page, and then click on the "Thumbs Up" image next to the “Bob Pratt Surf Rescue” photo (FYI: You can vote once per day till Jan. 31, 2012. Every vote every day counts.)

PICTURES

August 28, 2011 – Boy rescued from rip current, New Buffalo, MI

August 28, 2011 – Classroom and Water Session, New Buffalo, MI

VIDEO

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

###

MORE INFORMATION about the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH – List of Businesses and Organizations

In the News – Overall Media Coverage

Monday, January 9, 2012

Drowning experience turns into community project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 09, 2012

Contact:

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

Dave Benjamin, Executive Director & Public Relations

708-903-0166

dpaulben@hotmail.com

Drowning experience turns into community project

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

MATTESON, IL - Matteson man co-creates the “Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project” after his own drowning experience to organize Surf Rescue classes, lead rip current awareness campaigns, and track Great Lakes drownings.

On December 26, 2010, Dave Benjamin was surfing on Lake Michigan in Portage, Indiana when he wiped out and got separated from his board. The surf was pretty big that day ranging between 6’ to 10’.

"When I wiped out I was in the impact zone of the waves and the waves kept coming down on me and putting me to the floor," said Benjamin. "Every time I came up for air, I got put right back down. The waves were also pushing me toward the jagged rocks of the jetty wall and into a rip current that was pulling me farther out to sea."

"I was panicking, facing shore, vertical in water, mouth at water level, gasping for air, and doing a swimming motioning in the water like I was climbing a ladder. I had come to terms, written myself off, that this was the day and how I was going to die."

According to Benjamin, the last time he went under water, he remembered that he had read all about this in an article titled, “Drowning doesn’t look like Drowning”, by Mario Vittone. It described all the ‘Signs of Drowning’ as the “Instinctive Drowning Response”; i.e. panicking, facing shore, vertical in water, mouth at water level, gasping for air, and doing a swimming motioning in the water like climbing a ladder.

When he realized that he was doing the signs, he quit fighting the water, calmed himself down, and did nothing but float. It took him about 40 minutes, but eventually he floated back to shore.

"When I crawled out on the shore, I knew that article saved my life and I decided that I was going to create something to promote water safety, drowning prevention, and rip current awareness."

Four months later while coaching in a leadership program, Benjamin created the "Third Coast Ocean Force" to bring water safety, drowning prevention, and rip current awareness to the shores of the Great Lakes. While networking with people for the community project, several people said that Benjamin had to speak with Bob Pratt about his similar project, the "Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project". The two spoke and decided to join forces.

Today the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project tracks drowning statistics on the Great Lakes, teaches "Water Safety Surf Rescue" classes on the beach and in the water, and leads the "Third Coast Ocean Force" rip current awareness campaign.

THE GREAT LAKES SURF RESCUE PROJECT
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, professional water rescue team members, dive team members, police officers, and fire fighters.

1. GREAT LAKES DROWNING STATISTICS
In 2011, 87 people drowned in the Great Lakes. In 2010, 74; a two-year total of 161. Rip currents are responsible for one-third of those drownings.

2. “WATER SAFETY SURF RESCUE” CLASS

The “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class is open to the general public, Surfers, and Professional Water Rescue Personnel.

The “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” 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 2011, Five Surfboard Rescue Techniques Classes were held:

June 5, 2011, St. Joseph, MI

July 17, 2011, Frankfort, MI

July 31, 2011, Grand Haven, MI

August 28, 2011, New Buffalo, MI

September 18, 2011, Whiting, IN

There are currently request for the "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class to be performed in 14 cities around the Great Lakes (MI: Frankfort, Grand Haven, Holland, St. Joseph, New Buffalo; IN: Michigan City, Portage, Whiting; IL: Chicago; WI: Racine, Milwaukee, Sheboygan; MN: Duluth; Canada: Sherkston) Calendar details coming soon...

3. “THIRD COAST OCEAN FORCE” RIP CURRENT PSA

The Great Lakes are 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 Great Lakes. Each "Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class will provide an opportunity to cause rip current awareness through the classroom as well as media opportunities.

###

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

1. The “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class;

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

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Bob Pratt Lifesaver Year Award - Top 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 9, 2011

Contacts:

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

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

Bob Pratt, Executive Director, 517-643-2553

“Lifesaver of the Year” Award – Top 10 Finalist

Representing the Great Lakes at San Diego Symposium

GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is proud to announce that Bob Pratt is a ‘Top 10 Finalist’ for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s “Lifesaver of the Year” Award. Pratt will also be presenting the work of the GLSRP at the NDPA’s 11^th Annual Symposium in San Diego, March 7 – 10, 2012

The boy was displaying the signs of drowning in the thick surf – facing shore, mouth at water level, a terrified look in his face, and ‘climbing the ladder’ motion in the water.

Bob was standing on shore near a lifeguard stand speaking with a lifeguard and New Buffalo police officers when he saw the boy displaying the signs too. He then sprinted into the water to assist.

Voting is through FaceBook. To cast your VOTE, click on the link below, “Like” the NDPA Fan Page, and then click on the "Thumbs Up" image next to the “Bob Pratt Surf Rescue” photo (http://apps.facebook.com/lifesaveroftheyear/contests/144881/voteable_entries) (FYI: You can vote once per day till Jan. 31, 2012. Every vote every day counts.)

PICTURES

August 28, 2011 – Boy rescued from rip current, New Buffalo, MI http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150423396943572.441856.520198571&type=1

August 28, 2011 – Classroom and Water Session, New Buffalo, MI

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150423420458572.441863.520198571

VIDEO

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

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/174723/48/Surfers-to-the-rescue?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp

###

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

Whiting Surf Rescue Class Reps Great Lakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 9, 2011

Contacts:

Mike Killion, Great Lakes Surfer Magazine, Chicago, IL 847-337-9385

Mitch McNeil, Surfrider Chicago Chapter, Chicago, IL, 708-612-2813

Ryan Gerard, Third Coast Surf Shop, New Buffalo, MI, 574-360-3977Ian Jacobson, Great Lakes Board Company, Chicago, IL 773-575-4787

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

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

Whiting Surf Rescue Class

Representing the Great Lakes at San Diego Symposium

And “Lifesaver of the Year” Award finalist

WHITING, IN – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class hosted September 18 in Whiting by several 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’s, Bob Pratt, is also a ‘Top 10 Finalist’ for the NDPA’s “Lifesaver of the Year” Award.

BUSINESSES THAT HOSTED THE WHITING CLASS

Great Lakes Surfer Magazine, Chicago, IL
“It’s exciting to see the surf rescue class continue its courses and expand to the west coast and other areas around the Great Lakes," said Mike Killion, Great Lakes Surfer magazine founder and CEO. "It’s a great way to introduce beach safety and rip current education to those who have not yet had the actual experience of being in a rip, or having to save someone who might be in danger.”

“It’s imperative that more people around the Great Lakes gain knowledge and experience on drownings and rescues,” added Killion. “It's sad that people may die on the same day when others find joy and fun swimming and surfing the Great Lakes.”

Surfrider Foundation Chicago Chapter, Chicago, IL

“The surfboard rescue class is a great way to increase awareness and prevent the glut of Great Lakes drownings said Mitch McNeil, Surfrider Chicago vice chair. “Unfortunately I’ve seen people drown in front of my eyes. An inexperienced swimmer can panic very quickly in a rip current.”

Third Coast Surf Shop, New Buffalo & St. Joseph, MI

“The Surfboard Rescue Techniques class is crucial in helping to spread the word on the dangers of rip currents and water safety in the Great Lakes,” said Ryan Gerard, Third Coast Surf Shop. “It utilizes a crucial group of people who are very familiar with these dangers – Great Lakes surfers. By teaching local surfers and the general public, the police, firefighters, paramedics, and marine units surf rescue techniques, we can continue to work to reduce drownings in the Great Lakes.”

Great Lakes Board Company, Chicago, IL

“I experience rip currents every time I surf,” said Ian Jacobson, Great Lakes Board Company owner. “Got caught in a nasty one a few winters ago against a wall of ice and tore a hole in my wet suit. Everyone needs to be respectful of the lake and understand the type of power it can unleash.”

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)

###

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

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

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 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

###

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

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

###

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