As his project in Landmark Education’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program, Dave Benjamin created Third Coast Ocean Force to raise awareness of drownings in the Great Lakes region and promote safety and training events. His work led him to partner with The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project in creating surfboard rescue techniques classes.

The Associated Press has quoted the head of the Rescue Project as it notes the 87 drownings which took place in the Great Lakes in 2011, including 44 in Lake Michigan. Of those, the Rescue Project says 15 occurred because of treacherous rip currents. Benjamin has ambitious plans for 2012, including turning The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project into a nonprofit, raising $500,000, setting up 14 surfboard rescue techniques classes this summer, and much more. Find out more at the Third Coast Ocean Force Facebook page.