The Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium is once again bringing together all water safety organizations and advocates committed to END DROWNING in the Great Lakes, through education, collaboration, and action.
Join us for a day and a half in beautiful Sheboygan, Wisconsin for compelling keynotes, expert presentations, lifesaving training, interactive ideation sessions, networking breaks, and other valuable and memorable activities and experiences.
We’ve gathered an incredible lineup of presenters from Great Lakes Sea Grant, National Weather Service, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, universities, 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 and the best ways to respond in the event of a tragedy.
Learn why Great Lakes drownings were up 78% last year. Learn how you can help build bridges between where we are now and where we want to be, including how to avoid, escape, and safely save others from dangerous currents and conditions.
Register today for only $59 for both days, including breakfast, lunch, and some fun surprises.
I hope to see you there.
Jamie Racklyeft
Executive Director, Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium
Rip Current Survivor
P.S. Our bonus session Thursday evening will be held at a nearby pool, including kayak safety demos and a drone sneak-peek, and Friday afternoon at the Quarry Beach Waterpark we'll have a full demo of cool new rescue drones!
Megan Dodson // National Weather Service – A Review of Great Lakes Drowning Fatalities & Rescues
Bob Dukesherer // National Weather Service – Great Lakes Waves & Currents
Scott Ruddle // Grand Bend, Ontario – Rescue Data From a Lifeguarded Beach
Dr. Chin Wu // University of Wisconsin – Research for Integrated Nowcast/Forecast Operation System (INFOS)
Facilitated Discussion & Ideation Session - All
Storytelling - Jamie Dolan // Structural Current Survivor - Presque Isle, MI
Jesse Schomberg // Minnesota Sea Grant, Brent Consie // Duluth Fire Chief, Dean Packingham // National Weather Service – Seven Years of Success: Twin Ports Rip Current Workgroup
Kim Busse // Great Lakes Beach Association – Future Water Safety Collaboration
Chad Pelishek // Sheboygan Water Safety Task Force – Sheboygan Lakefront Water Safety Task Force
Facilitated Discussion & Ideation
Networking Break
Sherri Jean Katz // SJMC, University of Minnesota (via webconference) – Persuasion and Risk Communication: Techniques to Communicate Lifesaving Information
Dave Benjamin // Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project – Compassionately Addressing The Stigma of Drowning
Megan Dodson // Consistent Messaging & The Drowning Prevention/Tragedy Response Plan "Playbook"
Facilitated Discussion & Ideation
Networking Break/Travel to Breakout Sessions
Harve Norris // Grand Traverse Water Safety Task Force – K-6 Water Safety Education
Dave Benjamin // Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project – The Dream of a Standardized Water Safety Education Curriculum
Bob Dukesherer // In-Depth Follow-up Training Webinars: Input & Opportunities
Facilitated Discussion & Ideation
Adam Abajian // Evanston Lakefront Operations – Trends in Lifeguarding: Innovative Ways to Save Lives
Bob Pratt: Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Lifeguard Training
Scott Ruddle // Grand Bend, Ontario – Waterfront Operations in Ontario
Facilitated Discussion & Ideation
Storytelling - Jamie Racklyeft // University of Michigan, Rip Current Survivor - Leland, MI
Susan Och // Leland Township Supervisor – Beach Safety Kits: Maintenance & Theft Recommendations
Matt Warner // Department of Environmental Quality – Beach Safety Signs & Flag Warning Systems
Ron Kinnunen // Michigan State University – Beach Kit Availability & Distribution
Marc Kavinsky // National Weather Service – Beach Hazards & Messaging
Facilitated Discussion & Ideation
Traveling from a far away land? There are two nearby airports to consider:
General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee WI (main Milwaukee airport) – from Milwaukee it is a 1-hour drive north to Sheboygan
Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport, Green Bay WI – from Green Bay it is a 1-hour drive south to Sheboygan
Holiday Inn Express - Sheboygan
We have secured discount rates for Conference attendees at two nearby hotels - $82 per night at either one. Mention the Great Lakes Water Safety Conference when you book. Discount rate is only through April 7.
AmericInn Hotel & Suites - Sheboygan
Thursday evening's rescue training and drone demo will be in the AmericInn pool.
The 2nd Annual Water Safety Superhero of the Year Award will recognize someone who has saved others or are helping prevent drowning in the Great Lakes, whether it’s their job or not.
The Superhero award will be presented at the Great Lakes Water Safety Conference, April 20-21 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Nominate someone today, via this 2-minute form.
#EndDrowning #GLWSCSheboygan17 email: jracklye@glwsc.org
