NDPA Lifesaver of the Year at Quiet Water Symposium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 2, 2012

Contact:

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project

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

Bob Pratt, Executive Director, 517-643-2553

NDPA “Lifesaver of the Year” award winner

To host drowning prevention booth at Quite Water Symposium

EAST LANSING, MI – Just one week after a Florida surf rescue, the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s (GLSRP) Bob Pratt, winner of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s “Lifesaver of the Year” award, will be hosting an information booth at the 17th Annual “Quiet Water Symposium” Saturday, March 3 at the Michigan State University Pavilion, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pratt will be speaking to the public about the success of the GLSRP and drowning prevention with the theme, “It’s up to you,” because more than 10 people drown every day in the United States. 

“The lakes, rivers and open water areas we love so much account for sixty-five percent of the drownings of people fourteen years and older,” Pratt said.  “Simple steps can prevent a needless tragedy where we recreate – Whether we are a seasoned paddler charging class five rapids, or a rank beginner in a backyard pond.”

Pratt will give simple tips to prevent the public from becoming a drowning victim, discuss what a drowning victim looks like and where and why people drown, and will dispel the myth of hypothermia.

Next week Pratt and the GLSRP will be presenting its work at the NDPA Symposium, accepting the Lifesaver of the Year award, and announce becoming a chapter of the NDPA.

The Quiet Water Symposium celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation and a shared concern for the Great Lakes Environment (Quiet Water Symposium FaceBook Group).  There will be presentations by world famous authors, photographers, and expedition travelers to:

·         Educate and encourage public concern for the water resources of the Great Lakes region

·         Support environmental stewardship and conservation of natural resources

·         Plan and execute annual and special events for any or all of the purposes listed above

The Symposium has a wide range of exhibits featuring:

·         Clubs and nature centers

·         Handcrafted and historic watercraft

·         Biking, hiking, sailing, diving, and water trails

·         Conservation and watershed groups

·         Outdoor adventure outfitters, liveries, and retailers

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OTHER NEWS

1. GLSRP Becomes Chapter of NDPA
2. Lifesaver of the Year Award Winner Assists Rescue on FL Vacation
3. Bob Pratt Winner of the Lifesaver of the Year Award
4. Video: Hero from New Buffalo beach rescue getting national honor – NDPA 'Lifesaver of the Year' Award
5. Fire Marshal Retires - Takes Helm of Surf Rescue Project
6. Bob Pratt Lifesaver Year Award - Top 10
7. Great Lakes drownings rise to 87 in 2011; a two-year total of 161
8. Great Lakes Presenting at San Diego Symposium
9. Co-Executive Director’s drowning experience turns into Rescue Project
10. Chasing the chilling waves — whenever they can
11. Video: Great Lakes surfers save drowning victims
12. Video: Surfers to the Rescue

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

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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