Great Lakes Drownings Increasing; 279 since 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Contact:
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
Dave Benjamin, Executive Director of Public Relations, 708-903-0166
Bob Pratt, Executive Director of Education, 517-643-2553
www.GLSRP.org

Great Lakes drowning’s continue to rise

18 to date in 2013; 280 since 2010

3 June Drownings in Lake Michigan 

GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) announces its current drowning statistics. To date in 2013, 18 people have drowned in the Great Lakes.  Overall since 2010, 280 people have drowned in the Great Lakes (74 in 2010; 87 in 2011; and 101 to date in 2012).  (Click here for full list of statistics.)

“Drownings are still increasing at an alarming rate,” said Dave Benjamin, GLSRP executive director.  “Anytime someone goes to the Lakes, it’s important to exercise hyper vigilant water safety.

Three June Lake Michigan Drowning’s

1. 06/06 Ramon Benavidez, 32, Belmont Harbor,
2. 06/18 Benjamin McCarter, 31-M, Kenosha, WI Pier Jump
3. 06/19 Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20-M, Chicago, IL

“When warm air temperatures happen on weekends we know the chances of drowning increase,” said Bob Pratt, GLSRP executive director. “When we add waves to the equation we know there will be dangerous currents deaths. This year more than ever we need to increase our educational efforts.”

GLSRP Drowning Statistics
Like GLSRP’s FaceBook Page
Follow GLSRP on Twitter @ripcurrentsafeT

###

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Inc. (GLSRP) is about saving lives.  It is a nonprofit corporation that is a Chapter of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) that tracks drowning statistics, teaches “Water Safety Surf Rescue” classes, and leads the “Third Coast Ocean Force” rip current awareness campaign on the Great Lakes.  Become a member of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

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 11^th Annual Symposium in San Diego, March 9, 2012.

2013 Great Lakes Drowning Statistics 

LAKE MICHIGAN – 3

1. 06/06 Ramon Benavidez, 32, Belmont Harbor,
2. 06/18 Benjamin McCarter, 31-M, Kenosha, WI Pier Jump
3. 06/19 Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20-M, Chicago, IL

LAKE SUPERIOR – 3

1. 01/27 James Hudson, 34-M, Bayfield, WI, Snowmobile through ice
2. 02/21 Joshua G. Reynolds 30-M, Madeline Island, Bayfield, WI, Snowmobile through ice
3. 02/21 Mark J. Backe 38-M, Madeline Island, Bayfield, WI, Snowmobile through ice

LAKE ONTARIO – 5

1. 03/29 John Doe, 16-M, Don Basin, vehicle submerged, Toronto, CA
2. 05/08* John Doe, 30-40’s, Ashbridges Bay, Toronto, CA
3. 06/05* John Doe, ?-M, Scarborough Bluffs
4. 06/19* Jane Doe, 48-F, Port Darlington Beach
5. 06/16 Daniel Ransom, 19-M, Port Credit

LAKE ERIE – 6

1. 01/29 Jacob Samusenko, 17-M, East Basin, Erie, PN
2. 03/09 John Doe, ?-M, Rock Hall, Cleveland, OH
3. 04/07 Jonathan Francis, 30-M, Sandusky Bay, OH, Kayaking
4. 04/07 Viola Francis, 12-F, Sandusky Bay, OH, Kayaking 
5. 05/16 Godfried McKinney, 54-M, Monroe County, Fishing
6. 05/16 Kendrick Covington,64-M, Monroe County, Fishing

LAKE HURON – 1

1. 03/03 Jason King, 39-M, Saginaw Bay, Airboat Capsized