In response to the Great Lakes drowning epidemic, in June 2011, the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) began teaching “Water Safety Surf Rescue” classes to educate the public about the hazards of the surf environment. Since then it has taught 17 classes on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Its class participants include the average beach goer, surfers, lifeguards, police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, water rescue team members, dive team members, and the Coast Guard.
The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s “Water Safety Surf Rescue” class teaches participants how to:
- Recognize the danger of the surf environment keeping personal safety as THE primary responsibility
- Recognize the “Signs of Drowning” – How to identify a person in trouble from within a crowd.
- Understand rip currents; i.e. how, where, and why rip currents occur
- Use the Michigan Sea Grants “Flip, Float, and Follow” rip current survival strategy
- Use a flotation device such as a throw ring, throw rope, rescue tube, surfboard or other objects that float to rescue a person in distress or in a rip current
- React when encountering swimmers who have suffered an injury or unconscious
- Enroll in lifesaving, first aid and CPR training from accredited agencies
The GLSRP is currently taking class reservations for spring and summer 2013. For information, please contact Dave Benjamin at 708-903-0166.
