Promoting Water Safety amid Rising Temperatures

High temperatures are pushing people to beaches and pools for relief, emphasizing the need for water safety. Dave Benjamin, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, highlighted the necessity of water survival tactics during a talk with the Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club. He stressed that while everyone knows survival tactics for fire, few understand similar tactics for water safety.

Benjamin pointed out that four out of five drowning victims are male, attributing this to risk-taking behavior, peer pressure susceptibility, and overestimation of swimming abilities. He noted that males often misjudge their swimming skills by about 50%, whereas females assess theirs with nearly 100% accuracy.

Curiously, people who know how to swim tend to drown more than those who cannot. Benjamin advised understanding personal swimming limits. For instance, if you’re not swimming laps in the pool, you’re more of a wader rather than a swimmer. He noted that many people claiming swimming proficiency can’t swim the length of a pool.

Lake Michigan’s southern end poses significant danger, particularly due to its unique shape and wind conditions, which can cause rip currents. This year, 29 drownings have occurred in the Great Lakes, with 14 in Lake Michigan alone.

“Water safety is not common sense,” Benjamin said, recalling an incident where he nearly drowned while surfing offshore.

Benjamin’s commitment to water safety stemmed from his own near-drowning experience. He described panic during the event and stressed the importance of not fighting the urge to breathe underwater.

Since founding the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Benjamin has been dedicated to advocating for water safety education. His personal history in swimming spans a lifelong engagement, emphasizing continual learning and awareness.

The project’s statistics show 1,445 Great Lakes drownings since 2010. Recent incidents highlight the ongoing issue, including a boat mishap in Lake Erie and drownings following a bachelor party in Port Sheldon, Michigan. These underline the need for understanding basic water safety.

Unfortunately, due to funding issues, water safety programs did not occur at Barker Middle School this year. Benjamin agrees with the World Health Organization’s view that drowning is a neglected public health issue. He emphasized understanding research statistics to address the issue effectively.

During his talk, Benjamin advised against going into the water to rescue someone in distress. Instead, use a life ring and pull them to safety. Indiana law mandates life rings on beaches, which underscores the need for preparedness. He also provided insight into CPR techniques, stressing the importance of rescue breaths.

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project offers training tailored to lifeguards and the general public, equipping more people with necessary water safety skills.