The Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium is the new umbrella group for all water safety organizations and advocates committed to ending drowning in the Great Lakes, through collaboration, education, and action.Â
Why Attend?
Join us for a day of compelling keynotes, expert presentations, ideation sessions, and networking breaks with first responders, scientists, park rangers, survivors, and other leaders and peers. Learn the latest in wave science and how to avoid, escape, and safely save others from dangerous currents and other beach hazards.Â
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We’re gathering an incredible lineup of presenters from Sea Grant, National Weather Service, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, and many others sharing the latest science, techniques, and technologies. You'll leave with new strategies, insights, and know-how to save lives in your community.
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Conference Objectives:
By the end of the Conference, you will:
1. Understand who the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium is, and how we intend to end drowning in the Great Lakes.
2. Have an up-to-date and in-depth understanding of wave science and dangerous currents research.
3. Know best practices in how to avoid, escape, and safely save others from dangerous currents.
4. Be more comfortable and confident speaking to the media and others about water safety.
5. Put your new knowledge to use in fun, interactive ideation sessions.
6. Make new connections with attendees and the GLWSC's growing membership of people committed to our cause.
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Are you in?
UPDATED 4/6/16
Tuesday, April 19
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8:00 // Registration/Continental Networking Breakfast
8:30 // Welcome - Kirk Lombardy, Cleveland National Weather Service
8:40 // Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium Vision  - Jamie Racklyeft, Executive Director
9:05 // Keynote Address - Bob Pratt, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, 2012 NDPA Lifesaver of the Year
9:40 // Storytelling - Melissa Zirkle, Jermaine’s Mom
Waves & Currents 101
9:55 // Forecasting Dangerous Waves & Currents - Kirk Lombardy, Cleveland National Weather Service
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10:30 // Networking Break
10:45 // Dangerous Currents Field Research, Mapping Resources, and Data Collection & Management - Dr. Guy Meadows, Michigan Technological University
11:20 // Dangerous Currents Best Practices Project: Messaging & Resources - Rhett Register, Michigan Sea Grant
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11:45 //Â Networking Luncheon/Awards Ceremony/Storytelling -Â Dave Benjamin, Rip Current Survivor
Local Perspectives
12:35 // Wave & Shoreline Interaction: Dangerous Currents on Lake Erie - Brenda Culler, Public Information Officer, Education Coordinator for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Office of Coastal Management
12:55 // Review of the Hazards & Safety Program at Fairport Harbor Beach, OH - Brian Fowler, Lake County Metroparks; Brian Davidson, Lake Metroparks Lifeguard; Seth Begeman, Beach Manager
1:15 // Discover Better Boating - David G. White, New York Sea Grant
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1:35 // Storytelling - Jamie Racklyeft, Rip Current Survivor
1:50 // Networking Break
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Building Momentum
2:05 // Beach Warnings & Rescue Equipment Recommendations & How to Use Water Watcher Cards - Susan Och, Community Leader
2:25 // Education & Training Curriculum Recommendations - (TBD)Â
2:35 // How to Use Water Watcher Cards -
Susan Och
2:45Â // Key Messages & Media Training
Jamie Racklyeft, University of Michigan Communication Strategist
Ed Russo, WSBT TV
Rick Haase, Cleveland Metroparks Director
of Communications
Dave Benjamin, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
Live Media Training - All
4:15 // Wrap up & Action Steps for Moving Forward Together - Jamie Racklyeft
4:30 // Beach Rescue Equipment Training - Bob Pratt Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (optional bonus session at the beach, weather permitting)