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
274 Great Lakes Drownings since 2010
101 Drownings in 2012. How many will happen in 2013?
As “Drowning Season” quickly approaches
GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) announces its current drowning statistics. To date in 2013, 12 people have drowned in the Great Lakes. Overall since 2010, 274 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 drowning and rescue 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. While numbers are down over this date last year, there have been 35 Great Lakes water rescues this year.”
Memorial day is fast approaching and the water temps are still in the low to mid 50’s.
“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
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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 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 Michigan 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
