bob pratt's Page

Mario Vittone spoke at the NDPA symposium about our failure to "Move the needle" and reduce drownings. The following article has surfaced in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting: http://www.policeone.com/active-shooter/articles/2058168-Lt-Col-Dave-Grossman-to-cops-The-enemy-is-denial/I think that there are several parallels to the drowning problem in the United States. I came…See More

Total Aquatic Management believes in truth, justice and the aquatic way! Our mission is to make lifeguards "smarter, stronger and faster" so that no one drowns in a lifeguarded pool.

http://www.lifesaving.com/node/2954Where to begin????Closing the pool and cancelling lessons are the opposite of what should be done. This is such a prime teachable moment. The best way they could honor this poor boy is to make sure everyone understands what happened and why.Make sure everyone in the school can swim, can recognize what drowning looks like and respond with safe rescue techniques. That would virtually ensure that…See More

 Consider this a “State of the Lakes” statement, or a call to arms. If you’re not familiar with me or the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Program there is a short biography at the end of the document. To bring you up to date: There have been 96 fatal drownings so far this year. This is an increase from last year’s total of 87. The total since 2010 is now 257. Like previous years on the Great Lakes, most of these drownings occurred when there was significant wave, current or wind action. Because of this…See More

Yesterday there were 6 fatal drownings on the Great Lakes; 3 of them on Lake Michigan. High winds and waves caused deadly rip currents all over the Great Lakes region. There were dozens of rescues and at least 6 fatal drownings. This brings the years total to 68 and outpaces last years high of 87. Most of the drownings occur in Lake Michigan and most of those in the Southern end of the Lake. The population density from the Chicago area is one of the biggest factors. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue…See More