FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
Dave Benjamin, Executive Director 708-903-0166
dave.benjamin@glsrp.org
www.GLSRP.org
Bob Pratt, Executive Director of Education, 517-643-2553
GLSRP selected to host a nonprofit booth
At the Inaugural “Because I said I would” Conference
GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) announces that it has been awarded a presentation booth for the inaugural “Because I said I would | ONE” conference September 6, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio (Video about conference).
The Because I said I would | ONE is an inaugural event supporting the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. This event will tell moving stories of human perseverance through main stage speakers and a range of one-of-a-kind exhibitions.
“This event is an opportunity for the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project to reaffirm its commitment to eradicate drownings in the Great Lakes, cause and initiate a Water Safety School Curriculum in the Great Lakes region, and lead the Great Lakes as the model for water safety nationwide and worldwide,” said Dave Benjamin, Executive Director.
Since 2010, over 371 people have drowned in the Great Lakes (GLSRP Drowning Statistics).
“I will eradicate drowning through a water safety school curriculum. Together we can eradicate drowning.”
The big picture of drowning: According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children 1-4, second in children 1-14 (second only to car accidents), fifth nationwide, and third worldwide.
“In schools today they have fire drills, tornado drills, active shooter drills, some even have earthquake drills, but very little have any water safety education. Unfortunately drowning will likely kill more school aged children each year than fires, tornadoes, school shooters, and earthquakes combined. So why is there little water safety education?”
At the “Because I said I would” event attendees will also be able to share their own promises stories in a number of ways, including video recordings that will be turned into a year-long YouTube series.
GLSRP Drowning Statistics
Like GLSRP’s Facebook Page
Follow GLSRP on Twitter @ripcurrentsafeT
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ABOUT THE GLSRP
The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Inc. (GLSRP) is about saving lives. It is a nonprofit 501c3 corporation that is a Chapter of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA).
The GLSPR:
- Tracks the Great Lakes drowning statistics
- Teaches “Great Lakes Water Safety” classes
- Is the “Third Coast Ocean Force” rip Current Awareness Campaign
- Hosts Surf Lifeguard Certification courses, and
- Works with family and friends of Great Lakes drowning victims to promote water safety.
Mission: To eradicate drownings by being the leader of Great Lakes water safety by providing training, public preparedness, and public awareness.
Vision: Everyone in the Great Lakes region, nationwide and worldwide, is knowledgeable, engaged and proactive in water safety with an emphasis on the Great Lakes region.
GLSRP ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The GLSRP presented at the NDPA’s 12th Annual Symposium, March 14, 2013, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It presented at the 2nd International Rip Current Symposium Nov. 1st, 2012 in Sydney, Australia; the 2012 winner of the “Outstanding Service to the Great Lakes Community” award presented by the Dairyland Surf Classic; the 2011 “Lifesaver of the Year” award winner; and presented at the NDPA’s 11th Annual Symposium in San Diego, March 9, 2012.
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SAFETY TIPS – What everyone should know before they put their toes on the beach:
- When in doubt, don’t go out!
- Know the 1-10-1 Rule of Hypothermia (especially in fall, winter, and spring)
- Know the Signs of Drowning
- Know the MI Sea Grants “Flip, Float, and Follow” Rip Current Survival Strategy
- GLSRP Water Safety Illustrations
- Know the Great Lakes Dangerous Currents
- Drowning Terms to Discontinue
- GLSRP Drowning Statistics
