FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
Bob Pratt, Executive Director of Education, 517-643-2553
Vicki Cech, 231-206-1185
Dave Benjamin, 708-903-0166, dave.benjamin@glsrp.org
www.GLSRP.org
Two National Lifesavers Partnering
For water safety education in Grand Haven school
GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) announces that two NDPA “Lifesaver of the Year Award” winners have partnered to bring a Great Lakes Water Safety Presentation to Grand Haven.
GLSRP executive director Bob Pratt and Beach Survival Challenge organizer Vicki Cech, both NDPA Lifesavers (Pratt 2012 and Cech 2014), have partnered to perform a Great Lakes Water Safety presentation at Mary A. White Elementary School, 1400 Wisconsin Ave., Thursday, June 4, 10:00 a.m.
“Vicki has been a tireless water safety advocate since the loss of her son,” said Bob Pratt, GLSRP executive director. “Water safety should be a part of every school curriculum. We live in a water wonderland in Michigan and every child should know basic water safety information.”
“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of teaching our children water safety at an early age,” said Vicki Cech. “We have to arm them with the knowledge and awareness of the dangers and how to protect themselves if caught in a bad situation such as a rip current.”
Cech lost her son, Andy Fox, 17, in a 2003 Lake Michigan rip current in Grand Haven.
“We live in a state surrounded by water. The Great Lakes are a part of our lives and we need to understand them. Knowledge can and will save lives.”
In schools today there are fire drills, tornado drills, school shooter drills, and some states even have earthquake drills. Unfortunately though, each year in the United States more school aged children will die drowning than fires, tornadoes, school shooters, and earthquakes combined. It’s time for a water safety school curriculum in the Great Lakes region.
Cech was featured on the Steve Harvey Show for her water safety advocacy since Andy’s passing.
GLSRP Drowning Statistics
Like GLSRP’s Facebook Page
Follow GLSRP on Twitter @ripcurrentsafeT
###
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 (389 since 2010)
- Teaches “Great Lakes Water Safety” classes (Over 135 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: 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 has performed over 134 Great Lakes Water Safety classes in 7 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.
###
SAFETY TIPS – What everyone should know before they put their toes on the beach:
- When in doubt, don’t go out!
- Know the Signs of Drowning
- Know the “Flip, Float, and Follow” Rip Current Survival Strategy
- GLSRP Water Safety Illustrations
- Know the Great Lakes Dangerous Currents
- Know the 1-10-1 Rule of Hypothermia (especially in fall, winter, and spring)
- Drowning Terms to Discontinue
- GLSRP Drowning Statistics
