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  

1. June 5, 2011 – St. Joseph, MI – Classroom and Water Session
2. August 7, 2011 – Grand Haven, MI – Classroom and Water Session
3. August 28, 2011 – New Buffalo, MI – Classroom and Water Session
4. August 28, 2011 – New Buffalo, MI – Boy rescued from rip current  
5. September 18, 2011 – Whiting, IN – Classroom and Water Session

VIDEO

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

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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

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MORE INFORMATION about the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH – List of Businesses and Organizations

In the News – Overall Media Coverage