“More than 600 people have drowned in the Great Lakes this decade, and dozens more will drown this year unless they know what we know.
Join us April 26-27 in Chicagoland as we work together to END DROWNING in the Great Lakes, through education, prevention, and intervention. Learn from and interact with experts in April to prepare in May for a safer June, summer, and year.
The Consortium going strong, planning bigger and better events for our 300+ members and other attendees. Read some of the feedback from past events below.
Interested? Learn more and register today.”
“So many amazing water safety experts, audience interaction, and live demos. Can't wait until the next one.”
“Highly skilled and talented people attending and presenting.”
“Great time with people passionate about the goal of ending drownings.”
“One of the best conferences I've been to in a long time. The high level of interaction is appreciated.”
“Great networking opportunity!”
“I have a renewed sense of importance in the work that I am doing within my own community, knowing that I have that support of water safety experts across the Great Lakes.”
“Excellent program – much learned opening up to new ideas.”
“This group is very dedicated, and provides an excellent platform for any city looking to improve their water safety program.”
“Their holistic approach to water safety begins long before anyone enters the water and continues until everyone is safely home.”
“So worth way more than the cost!”
Ron Dorneker is the Deputy District Chief of Marine and Dive Operations for the Chicago Fire Department. Ron has led the Marine and Dive Operations since 2001. In his position, Ron is responsible for maintaining the daily functioning of the Fire Department marine operations, including Dive Team training and safety operations for more than 160 personnel. Ron also responds to incidents and executes coordinated rescue and recoveries. Additionally, he acts as liaison to various governmental agencies, including the Chicago Police Marine Unit, Chicago Park District Lifeguard Service, State of Illinois Conservation Police, United States Power Squadron, Army Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Reclamation/Water Resources, with regard to water safety issues and rescue efforts to facilitate a unified approach among all agencies and thereby achieve the safest levels for water rescue operations in the Chicago area.
His awards and achievements include the following:
• Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
• City of Chicago Award of Valor 2016
• State of Illinois Medal of Honor Award 2016
• Illinois Security Professional Association Award of Valor 2015
• ERDI Outstanding Instructor Award 2012/2016
• Chicago Fire Department Unit Performance Awards
• Chicago City Council Commendation for Professionalism, Valor & Exceptional Efforts
• City of Chicago Award of Bravery
• United States Lifesaving Association Heroic Act Award
• Chicago Park District Award for Heroic Action
• United States Lifesaving Association Great Lakes Region Heroic Act Award
• United States Government Veterans Administration Commendation
• Chicago City Council Commendation for Bravery
• Chicago Police Department Honorable Mentions
• Anti-Cruelty Society Humanitarian of the Year Award
• Higgins & Langley Swiftwater Incident Award
• Lifeguard of the Year, Chicago Park District
• 15 time Ironman Triathlon World Championship Qualifier and Finisher (Kona, Hawaii)
• United States Triathlon Association All-American
Ron graduated from The University of Illinois at Chicago
When you're young you think that you're going to sail into a lovely lake of quietude and peace. This is profoundly untrue. –Doris Lessing
General Admission: $89
Sponsorship Opportunities: See below
Travel Reimbursements Funds Available: Contact us
PRESENTATION PANEL: EDUCATION
State of the Great Lakes // Megan Dodson, National Weather Service
Science! // Chin Wu, et al, University of Wisconsin
Risk Management // W. Jesse Kinsland, Park District Risk Management Agency
Importance of Swimming Lessons // Rebecca McGregor, Goldfish Swim School
Water Safety Education Essentials // Bob Pratt, Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
PRESENTATION PANEL: INTERVENTION
Rescue Equipment Recommendations // Jesse Schomberg, Minnesota Sea Grant
Identifying Vessels in Distress // Adam Abajian, Evanston Parks & Rec
Surface Water Rescue // Jim Trippi, Evanston Fire Department
Rapid Response Playbook // Megan Dodson, National Weather Service
Interested in supporting our movement to end drowning in the Great Lakes? Send a check or make a donation on our website and you're in...
Great Lakes Guardian – $5,000
Sponsor the Water Safety Awards Dinner Thursday evening, where we honor the Volunteer of the Year, Water Safety Superhero, and the Wayne & Toni Brown Water Safety Lifetime Achievement Award. Your sponsorship will be recognized at the dinner and signage with your logo will be placed around the event space, plus the benefits listed in the packages below. Good for six complimentary tickets.
Safety Champion – $3,500
Sponsorship will be recognized in all press releases and logo will be displayed prominently on a banner in the meeting room, plus the benefits listed in the packages below. Good for five complimentary tickets.
Prevention Pioneer – $2,000
A table will be provided for you to promote your work, and you will have two minutes to describe your organization's work during a meal at the Conference, plus the benefits listed in the packages below. Good for four complimentary tickets.
Rescuer – $1,000
Space will be provided for your organization or company’s handouts, plus the benefits listed in the package below. Good for three complimentary tickets.
Lifesaver – $500
All contributors will have their logos featured on the event program, website, and promotional materials. Good for two complimentary tickets.
Other opportunities: Conference Meals, Beach Warning Signage, Brochure Printing, giveaways for attendees, etc. We are open to other ideas and appreciation any and all support.
You may donate securely via PayPal or credit card via our website here, or we can invoice you for check payments.
Please make checks payable to Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium, P.O. Box 130861 Ann Arbor, MI 48113.
We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Tax ID# 81-2812105.
Questions? Contact GLWSC Executive Director Jamie Racklyeft: jracklye@glwsc.org | 734.358.8982
Our Awards Dinner will be held here and it's a nice place, so we recommend the Hilton Orrington/Evanston hotel.
You may book via their website at www.orringtonevanston.hilton.com..
855-213-0582 or 1-800-Hiltons.
1710 Orrington Ave, Evanston, Illinois 60201