Fwd: A Message From Drew Ferguson

Greetings GLWSC Team,    As we prepare for the rapidly approaching winter, I hope you have had an enjoyable Summer and Fall.  This time of year is typically spent reviewing the successes and shortfalls of the past season while making plans for the next.  As a community of best practice, it is critical that we share our experiences, good and bad; we establish goals for the future; then we support each other in the pursuit of these goals.    This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the US Lifesaving Association Fall meeting.  Water safety professionals from across the US and beyond reflected upon this past year, shared stories and knowledge, and continued the process of preparing for next season and beyond.   Two of the workshops that I attended were presented by GLWSC Member and Lifeguarding and Beach Recue Committee Chair, Scott Ruddle.  It was a powerful reminder of the reach and strength of our Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium team.  There is a national interest in reducing drownings and we have a role.   Now to assign a little homework..... I would like to ask the membership to take some time to review the recently published US National Water Safety Action Plan.  (https://www.watersafetyusa.org/nwsap.html)   This comprehensive document presents a roadmap to reducing drownings in the US.  When reading this, be proud of what we, the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium, have accomplished thus far,  Then reflect upon what opportunities this action plan presents for us to move forward.  As an individual member, how can I best contribute to drowning prevention?  As the GLWSC, what can we do to support our individual members and organizations, reducing drownings throughout the Great Lakes?   Our Board and Leadership team are currently reflecting upon the NWSAP and our membership engagement processes.  While you are working on your homework, we are working on ours.  In the coming weeks, expect an email from the heads of committees that you have signed up for.  If you have not identified a specific area of interest, please take the time to update your profile.   Thank you for your continued efforts and contributions to preventing drownings in the Grea Lakes.   -Drew   Capt. D. Andrew Ferguson, MPH Executive Director, Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium Chief Executive Officer, Argonaut M: (216) 701-5582 O: (216) 860-4883 A: 2332 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115 DONATE GREAT LAKES WATER SAFETY CONSORTIUM P.O. Box 130861 Ann Arbor, MI 48113 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser