Cpt. Drew Ferguson to Lead Great Lakes Water Safety Community
For more information, contact:
Jamie Racklyeft, 734.358.8982
Drew Ferguson, 216.701.5582
Statement
Cpt. Drew Ferguson to Lead Great Lakes Water Safety Community
GREAT LAKES, USA — The Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium (GLWSC) announced today that founder Jamie Racklyeft, MEd has stepped down as executive director and board president. Cpt. David “Drew” Ferguson, MPH, CEO of Argonaut has been named the new executive director for a minimum term of two years.
In a message to the nonprofit’s membership, Racklyeft stated, “It was just over 10 years ago that I was the lucky one saved from drowning in a Great Lakes rip current by two brave strangers, and over seven years since we started this amazing community, which is still growing in scope and impact…I feel confident knowing that Drew is at the helm for this next chapter of water safety in the Great Lakes area.”
“Together, we have reached millions of people with our crowdsourced lifesaving water safety tips, educating them on the dangers of the Great Lakes and ways to be safer around the water,” Racklyeft continued. “We know that our website/resource center you’ve visited, print brochures/posters you’ve distributed, beach warning signs you’ve installed, in-person conferences and virtual jam sessions you’ve attended, recognition of heroes you’ve celebrated, poster contests you’ve entered, science and innovation you’ve embraced – and so much more – have made a difference in raising awareness and nudging people toward safer behavior…I will always be grateful to you for your kindness and encouragement, for lending your expertise and sharing your passion for water safety, for donating to our cause, and for honoring the memory of those we’ve lost.”
Cpt. Drew Ferguson has served on the GLWSC Leadership Team and will carry on the group’s collaborative approach and free sharing of best practices to help save lives. “I have seen firsthand the power of working together, at the Consortium’s conference in Cleveland and with Argonaut’s work in the Cleveland area.”
Ferguson has a master’s degree in public health from Cleveland State University, and he created and leads Argonaut (formerly PHASTAR Corporation), which focuses on education through the Davis Aerospace & Maritime High School. The school is a model of collaboration as it was founded and is operated in unique partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. He has extensive lifesaving experience as a boat captain, pilot, firefighter/EMT, and lifeguard.
“My career has been dedicated to safety and education, and I am honored to become the next leader of the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium,” said Ferguson. “I thank Jamie, partner organizations, donors and sponsors, and the hundreds of volunteer drowning prevention advocates serving in our growing community. I look forward to working with all of you to help save more lives together.”
ABOUT THE GREAT LAKES WATER SAFETY CONSORTIUM
The GLWSC is a nonprofit community of BEST practice, bringing together hundreds of water safety experts and advocates with a mission of helping people SAFELY enjoy the Great Lakes, and an ultimate vision of ENDING drowning.
We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Tax ID# 81-2812105.
Media and other inquiries to GLWSC Executive Director Drew Ferguson
(216) 701-5582 | dferguson@argonaut.org | P.O. Box 130861 Ann Arbor, MI 48113
LEARN MORE at http://greatlakeswatersafety.org/
