Free Safety Class Planned For Great Lakes Surfers
HOLLAND, Mich. (CBS) -- If you have the time to drive out to Holland, Mich., this weekend, you might want to take part in a surfer rescue and rip current awareness class -- especially after the rough week on that side of Lake Michigan this week.
As WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports, just Wednesday, 28 people were plucked from Lake Michigan in the Holland area, all because they were caught in rip currents. Dave Benjamin of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project says a free class is being offered Sunday morning at the Grand Haven State Park pavilion.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports
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"It's going to teach the average beachgoer about water safety and rip current awareness, and it's going to teach the surfers how to use their surfboard as a life-saving device," Benjamin said.
Benjamin says if you happen to get caught in a rip current in the lake, try to stay calm and don't fight against the current. But do try to swim along the shoreline to try to get out of the current, and try to signal someone for help.
The real season for lake surfers doesn't take off until after Labor Day, but Benjamin says many surfers take advantage of good lake waves whenever they can get them.
