Lakeshore United Rotaract Club recently sponsored amazing water safety/beach ambassadors training.
When you live on Lake Michigan and hear the Coast Guard helicopter or sirens heading towards the beach, your heart sinks, and you hold a moment of silence. Yet, there's hope as the West Michigan Water Safety Alliance, along with SHAPE South Haven Ambassadors Program & Education, Park Township - Fire+Marine, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Coast Guard, Ottawa County Sheriff's Office - Michigan, and MI-DNR, are all working together to change things for the better.
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We are thrilled to announce that we had our first Beach Ambassadors training session yesterday. This initiative aims to equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies on our beaches.
During the training, participants were introduced to the township's new jet skis, which will enable faster response times during emergencies. We also learned about the various hazards present along the pier structure, such as the tunnels in the rocks that create dangerous conditions and the whirlpool at the base of the pier, one of the most hazardous areas at Holland State Park.
Howard Fink, Park Township Manager (and fellow Rotarian), kicked off the first training class for the Water Safety Education Ambassadors. Following the kickoff at the Park Township office, the class moved to Holland State Park for a firsthand look at the Park Township Water Rescue Team. Rotarian Russ Miller showcased the Ambassador vest, and a solid group showed up for the initial training, joined by the distinguished Rotarian John Gronberg. Key project players, Rotaractors Charles Elwood and Yadah Ramirez, were all in as always, along with the Rotary Interactors at WO High School.
We are especially proud of the representation from local Rotary clubs involved in this program: Holland Rotary, Lakeshore United Rotaract Club, and West Ottawa's Interact Lakeshore United Rotaract Club. Their participation highlights the community's commitment to enhancing water safety and protecting lives.
We had great representation from Rotary/Rotaract/Interact at this event. You might spot:
- Charles Elwood: Next President of Lakeshore United Rotaract
- Yadah Ramirez: Current year Rotaract Secretary
- Howard Fink: Next President of Holland Noon Club
- John Gronberg: Big Red Lighthouse, and Rotary Noon Club
- Russ Miller: Rotary Noon Club of Muskegon
- Andrew Elwood: West Ottawa Interact Secretary
Collaboration, Not Competition, Gets Us to the Goal!
This vital training was a collaborative effort involving many organizations dedicated to water safety, including:
- Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
- SHAPE South Haven Ambassadors Program & Education
- Park Township - Fire+Marine
- City of Park Township
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MI-DNR)
- Coast Guard
- Ottawa County Sheriff's Office - Michigan
- Holland Rotary
- Lakeshore United Rotaract Club
- West Ottawa Interact
Special thanks to all the organizations and individuals who made this training possible. We encourage everyone to stay updated on our work and support this vital cause. For more information and updates, visit: West Michigan Water Safety Alliance
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