FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
Dave Benjamin, Executive Director of Project Management & Public Relations
708-903-0166
dave.benjamin@glsrp.org
www.GLSRP.org
Leland Township Lake Michigan Water Rescue Training
33 Great Lakes Drownings in 2014; 363 since 2010
GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) will be performing a Great Lakes Water Safety Training with the Leland Fire Department Monday, July 21, 6:30 p.m., 201 S. Grand Avenue.
“Great Lakes water safety is important because most visitors we have in the Great Lakes area are not used to the currents and problems that are associated with swimming and playing on a body of water like Lake Michigan,” said Chief Richard Royston, Leland Township Fire Department.
“As first responders it’s important for the members of the Leland Township Fire Department be up-to-date on any rescue procedures that we might be able to use in the course of a rescue on Lake Michigan.”
“If people are going to take advantage of the great resources that we have in Michigan for vacations, it’s very important for everyone to take the time to learn special techniques that might be necessary to not only save your own life but to save lives of those people you are vacationing with.” Training topics will include:
- 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
Also contact:
Richard J. Royston, Leland Twp. Fire and Rescue
201 S. Grand Ave. Leland, MI 49654
rroyston@lelandfire-rescue.com
231-256-7760
GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) announces its current drowning statistics. To date in 2014, the GLSRP is tracking 33 Great Lakes drownings. Overall since 2010, 363 people have drowned in the Great Lakes (74 in 2010; 87 in 2011; 101 in 2012, and 68 in 2013).
GLSRP Drowning Statistics
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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
