FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dave Benjamin, Executive Director
708-903-0166
dave.benjamin@glsrp.org
www.GLSRP.org
Water safety tour, “Six States in Six Days” concludes
At Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Saturday, May 16, 1:00 p.m.
GREAT LAKES, USA – The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP) will be concluding its “Six States in Six Days” of Great Lakes Water Safety presentations Saturday, May 16, 1:00 p.m. at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center’s auditorium, 1215 North State Road 49, Porter, IN.
The presentation is titled “Swimming Safely – Understanding the Great Lakes Surf Environment” and the presentation is recommended for everyone who swims in Lake Michigan.
The GLSRP had launched its campaign Monday in Wisconsin, and then Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Indiana to support the importance of a water safety school curriculum.
“Most people do not know that drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the nation,” said Dave Benjamin, GLSRP executive director. “And with summer temps warming up, many people will be flocking to water destinations to enjoy the outdoors.”
“In schools today there are fire drills, tornado drills, school shooter drills, and some even have earthquake drills, but very few have any water safety education. Unfortunately though more people in the United States will die from drowning each year than in fires, tornadoes, school shooters, and earthquakes combined. So why is there little water safety education?”
“Educating children about water safety is vitally important,” said Bob Pratt, GLSRP executive director and former East Lansing, MI Fire Marshal. “I’ve seen how effective fire safety education is. It’s time we started teaching water safety in all of our schools.”
“Flip, Float and Follow is the lifesaving equivalent of stop, drop, and roll for the aquatic environment. The ability to float allows a distressed swimmer to control the panic and conserve their energy as they determine the most effective path back to safety.”
“Sometimes swimming is only thought of as a sport not as a necessary a survival skill,” said Joe Matulis Elementary P.E. Teacher St. Johns Public Schools. “Swimming and water safety skills are critical to ensuring all students have a safe and enjoyable summer in Michigan.”
WHO: Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
WHAT: “Swimming Safely – Understanding the Great Lakes Surf Environment”
WHERE: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 North State Road 49, Porter, IN.
WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 1:00 p.m.
WHY: Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death
Videos:
Dave Benjamin: Dedication to water safety and a water safety school curriculum
John & Kathy Kocher: The impact of drowning, losing Matthew, 15.
GLSRP Drowning Statistics
Like GLSRP’s Facebook Page
Follow 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 (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 60 Great Lakes Water Safety classes in 6 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.
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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 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
#watersafetyschoolcurriculum
#6statesin6days
#becauseisaidiwould
#StopDrowning
#WHOdrowning
#MelissaZirkle
#NDPA
#lifesaveroftheyear
