Clear your calendar - It's going down! Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium 2016 Conference - Cleveland kicks off on April 19th, and you're invited to take part in the festivities. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center (28728 Wolf Road) is our meeting spot for a day of fun and excitement. Come one, come all, bring a guest, and hang loose. This is going to be epic!
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, Coast Guard, 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 what 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?
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Friday, April 22
8:00a //Â Registration/Continental Networking Breakfast
8:30 //Â Welcome/GLWSC Vision
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9:00 // Keynote Address - Bob Pratt, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project,
2012 NDPA Lifesaver of the Year
9:30 // Storytelling - John Kocher,
Matt's Dad
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Waves & Currents 101
9:45 // Forecasting Dangerous Waves & Currents - Bob Dukesherer, Senior Forecaster, National Weather Service
10:30 // Dangerous Currents Field Research - Bob Dukesherer
11:00 // Dangerous Currents Best Practices Project - Jesse Schomberg, Wisconsin Sea Grant, Rhett Register, Michigan Sea Grant
11:30 // Storytelling - Dave Benjamin, Rip Current Survivor
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12n // Networking Luncheon/
Awards Ceremony
Local Perspectives
12:30 // Ontario Grand Bend Beach/Port Stanley - Scott Ruddle
12:45 // Muskegon - Holly Alway
1:00 // Mason County - Liz Reimink
1:15 //Â Respect the Power -Â Will Beaton, Surfer/SurfGrandHaven/Meteorologist
1:30 // Â (TBD)
1:45 // Storytelling - Vicki Cech,
Andy’s Mom
2:15 // Storytelling - Jamie Racklyeft, Rip Current Survivor
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Building Momentum
2:15 // Beach Warnings & Rescue Equipment Recommendations -Â Susan Och, Community Leader
2:35 // Education & Training Curriculum Recommendations - Adam Abajian
2:45 // How to Use Water Watcher Cards - Susan Och
2:55 // Key Messages & Media Training
Jamie Racklyeft, University of Michigan Communication Strategist
Ed Russo, WSBTTV
Tom O’Hare, 9&10 News
Dave Benjamin, GLSRP
Live Media Training - All
4:35 // Wrap up & Action Steps for Moving Forward Together - Jamie Racklyeft
5:00 // Beach Rescue Equipment Training - Bob Pratt, GLSRP (optional bonus session at the beach, weather permitting)
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