FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dave Benjamin, Executive Director
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
708-903-0166
dave.benjamin@glsrp.org
www.GLSRP.org
Lake Michigan Leading the Great Lakes Drowning Statistics
Two Great Lakes Water Safety classes coming to Chicago
Montrose and Rainbow Beaches
CHICAGO, IL – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) announces its current drowning statistics. To date in 2014, the GLSRP is tracking 17 Great Lakes drownings; 11 of those are on Lake Michigan. Overall since 2010, 347 people have drowned in the Great Lakes (74 in 2010; 87 in 2011; 101 in 2012, and 68 in 2013).
WATER SAFETY CLASSES
The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) in partnership with the Chicago Park District and the Illinois DNR are presenting two “Great Lakes Water Safety” classes Saturday, June 7 at Montrose Beach and Sunday, June 8 at Rainbow Beach.
These classes are in coordination with the National Weather Service’s “National Rip Current Awareness Week” and the Council of Great Lakes Governors annual Beach Safety Awareness Week“. These classes are FREE and OPEN to the public.
Please RSVP at www.glsrp.org/classes and follow the drop down menu. Please invite your family and friends through the Facebook Event Pages (June 7, Montrose Beach and June 8, Rainbow Beach).
WHEN AND WHERE (Classes are rain or shine)
Sat., June 7, 9:00 a.m. Montrose Beach’s Clarendon Fieldhouse, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave. Invite your friends and family through the Facebook Event Page.
Sun., June 8, 9:00 a.m., Rainbow Beach, 3111 E 77th St. (79th Street and South Shore). Invite your friends and family through the Facebook Event Page.
The “Great Lakes Water Safety” classes will teach participants to:
- Understand that drowning is a leading cause of injury and death
- Recognize the “Signs of Drowning” – How to identify a person in trouble.
- Recognize the dangers of the surf environment keeping personal safety as the primary responsibility
- Understand dangerous currents; i.e. how, where, and why dangerous currents occur and how to survive then;
- Understand the “Flip, Float, & Follow” dangerous currents survival strategy
- Understand how a flotation device such as a throw ring, throw, rope, surfboard or other objects that float can rescue a person in distress or in a dangerous current
- Enroll in lifesaving, first aid and CPR training from accredited agencies.
To date the class participants have consisted of the general public, surfers, lifeguards, police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, water rescue team members, dive team members, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
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
