🎙️ On this episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we feature Dave Benjamin, a year-round Great Lakes surfer and co-founder of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP). After surviving a life-threatening surfing accident in Lake Michigan, Dave transformed his brush with death into a life-saving mission. Since 2010, he’s been at the forefront of drowning prevention, raising awareness and educating communities about water safety.
A Near-Death Experience That Sparked a Movement
In December 2010, Dave faced a harrowing near-drowning experience while surfing Lake Michigan. Trapped in freezing water, pushed to the lakebed by waves, and separated from his surfboard, Dave fought to survive. It was only when he stopped struggling and let his buoyant wetsuit carry him to the surface that he managed to escape the icy clutches of the lake.
This life-altering event became the foundation for Dave’s commitment to water safety. Shortly after, while participating in Landmark’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program, he launched the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project as his community project. What started as a class for teaching surfers how to use their boards as rescue tools has grown into an organization conducting over 1,200 safety presentations across seven states.
The Hidden Dangers of the Great Lakes
Many people underestimate the power and risks of the Great Lakes. Unlike ocean waves, Great Lakes waves are driven by wind, creating frequent, high-energy waves that can overwhelm even strong swimmers. With Lake Michigan’s popularity as a tourist destination, the southern end of the lake sees a disproportionate number of drownings due to its sandy shores, rip currents, and wave activity. Dave explains that 66% of drowning victims knew how to swim, underscoring the need for water safety education beyond swimming skills.
Flip, Float, and Follow: A Life-Saving Technique
Dave and GLSRP advocate for the survival strategy Flip, Float, and Follow:
- Flip onto your back to stay afloat.
- Float to calm yourself and conserve energy.
- Follow a safe path back to shore.
This simple technique combats panic, which is often the first and most dangerous stage of drowning. Like “Stop, Drop, and Roll” for fire safety, this method empowers individuals with practical steps to survive.
Impact Beyond Measure
From training lifeguards to advocating for life rings on lakefronts, Dave’s work has saved countless lives—many he may never know about. His tireless commitment includes speaking to parents, legislators, and local officials about the importance of water safety education. Despite the challenges and moments of wanting to quit, Dave is motivated by stories of lives saved, like the man he rescued who now coaches his son’s baseball team.
How You Can Help
Dave calls for water safety to become a standard part of school curriculums, much like fire and tornado drills. Parents, educators, and community members can advocate for water safety education, ensuring future generations are better prepared for open water hazards.
✨ Want to hear Dave’s full story? Listen to the episode now and join the movement to save lives through education and awareness.
✨ Get inspired by more Difference Makers! Visit Our Events Page to attend live recordings of our podcast and be part of the conversation.