Get Involved
Become a MEMBER by joining us to receive exclusive information and early access to our events & pilot programs.
Become a VOLUNTEER by serving on one or more of our many Action Committees.
Join Us
Here’s where you become a member of the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium – a fast-growing community of more than 1,000 drowning prevention experts & water safety advocates.
It’s FREE and you’ll receive our communications with valuable info and updates.
If you’re interested in more involvement, learn about our many Action Committees below and then select one in this form.
Include your address and we’ll send you an exclusive Great Lakes Water Safety community member sticker!
Action Committees: Where the Magic Happens
Learn more about our volunteering opportunities and then select the one that interests you most in the form above.
We’ll get back in touch fast.
Awards & Recognition
Caty Simcek, Chair/Ben Russell, Co-Chair
There are heroes among us and this team looks to recognize them publicly for what they do to keep people safe year-round, and to safely save others struggling in the water.
Boating & Watercraft Safety
Drew Ferguson, Chair/Dan Metcalfe, Co-Chair
Focusing on enthusiasts like boaters, kayakers, canoeists, SUPers & more, this team wants to help them safely enjoy the water.
Data & Metrics
Kim Kreiling, Chair/Megan Dodson, Co-Chair
Gathering, reporting & illustrating data about drownings & rescues and studying dangerous waves, currents, & conditions to enhance prediction models and warnings is this team’s focus.
Design & Innovation
Chair TBD
As we focus on water safety fundamentals in many other Action Committees, we also look for new ideas for keeping people safe, like rescue drones and LED warning systems. We also facilitate brainstorming in fun new ways.
Education & Training
Leslie Dorworth, Chair/Pam Ford, Co-Chair
Beyond informing, education is key to enjoying safer days at the lake. We develop & provide many types of educational resources & opportunities for kids and adults.
Event Planning
Chair TBD
We typically hold one or two big conferences a year, and are now pivoting to a virtual experience for anyone who wants to know how to keep people safe around the water.
Finance & Fun(d)raising
Chair TBD
While being financially responsible, many of the things we do and offer cost money and this team looks to connect us with those who want to support our lifesaving work, so that we remain a thriving nonprofit organization serving others.
Lifeguarding & Beach Rescue
Scott Ruddle, Chair
We are strong advocates for lifeguards at Great Lakes beaches. This group of lifesavers is busting myths about liability and costs, and collecting & disseminating lifeguarding best practices.
Messaging & Media
Bob Dukesherer, Chair/Co-Chair TBD
Most people don’t know about how to stay safe around the water, so curating and disseminating best practices and consistent messaging to millions of people every year is part of the important work of this team.
Rapid Response Playbook
Matt Warner, Chair/Megan Dodson, Co-Chair
Know what to do when a drowning tragedy occurs in your town? Know how to prevent one? This team is putting together a vital resource based on best practices from those who have lived through drowning tragedies across the region.
Signage & Rescue Equipment
Mary Ann Best, Chair/Susan Och, Co-Chair
Beach warning signage works. So do lifejackets and liferings. This team keeps an active list of recommendations of what every beach should have, and is developing a rating system to help visitors choose which beaches are safest for their family.
Help Us Make the Great Lakes Safer
No one gets paid here. Our all-volunteer Board & Leadership Team is here to support this mission and serve our members.
Nearly all funds go directly to water safety initiatives such as:
education & training events
print brochures & posters
beach warning signage & systems
social media & digital ads
awards & recognition of heroes
innovative pilots & prototypes
and more
Your donation helps continue our lifesaving efforts.
Virtual Donor Wall of Fame
To thank and honor our many generous donors, sponsors, in-kind contributors, and other heroes, we have created this Virtual Great Lakes Water Safety Donor Wall of Fame.
Don’t see your name on the wall yet? Click the button below!
