FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
Dave Benjamin, Executive Director
708-903-0166
dave.benjamin@glsrp.org
www.GLSRP.org
Great Lakes Beach Hazards and Water Safety Conference Set for April 21
Measuring, Messaging & Moving Forward
WHAT:
The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) is co-hosting and presenting at the Great Lakes Beach Hazards and Water Safety Messaging Conference. Website & Registration
WHO:
- Jamie Racklyeft, rip current survivor and Communication Director, Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research; Leland, MI class coverage video
- Bob Pratt, Executive Director of Education, GLSRP
- Dave Benjamin, drowning survivor & Executive Director of Public Relations, GLSRP Video
- John Kocher, Father of Lake Michigan drowning victim, Matthew Kocher
- Bob Dukesherer, National Weather Service Grand Rapids, MI
- Megan Dodson, National Weather Service Northern Indiana
- Guy Meadows, Michigan Technological University
- Brian Bailey, Berrien County Parks Commission
- Holly Alway, Safe Kids Western Michigan Coordinator
- Elizabeth Reimink, Mason County Emergency Management
- Ricky Castro, National Weather Service Chicago, Illinois
- Christine Manninen, Great Lakes Commission
- Anjanette Riley, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
WHERE:
Michigan City Hall, 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, IN
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 21, 2015, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CDT
TOPICS
- The State of the Great Lakes & the big picture of drowning
- Real-life stories
- Wind and wave forecasting
- Dangerous currents
- Lakefront and park managers
- Water safety task force
- Water safety equipment, tools, and training
- Understanding beach forecasts and hazard statements
- Putting principles into practice
- Panel discussion
BACKGROUND:
The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Inc. (GLSRP) is a nonprofit 501c3 corporation that is a Chapter of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA). It Tracks the Great Lakes drowning statistics (384 since 2010); Teaches “Great Lakes Water Safety” classes (Over 60 classes since 2011); Hosts Surf Lifeguard Certification courses (pics), and Works with family and friends of Great Lakes drowning victims to advocate water safety.
# # #
MISSION & VISION – The GLSRP’s mission is to eradicate drownings by being the leader of Great Lakes water safety by providing training, public preparedness, and public awareness. Its vision is that 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.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS – The GLSRP has performed over 60 Great Lakes Water Safety classes in 6 of the 8 Great Lakes states; Presented at the NDPA’s 12th Annual Symposium, March 2013 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Presented at the 2nd International Rip Current Symposium Nov. 2012 in Sydney, Australia; the 2012 winner of the “Outstanding Service to the Great Lakes Community” award presented by the Dairyland Surf Classic; the 2012 “Lifesaver of the Year” award winner; and presented at the NDPA’s 11th Annual Symposium in San Diego, March 2012.
Connect with GLSRP online through Facebook; Twitter; and website.
