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In 1993, National Lifeguard Champion Dawn Schauman, who was six and one half months pregnant, was attacked by a ten-foot bull shark while swimming in the ocean off Indian River County, Florida. Her amazing story of survival, coupled with her husband's career as a Public Safety Officer and their common interest in marine life and safety, inspired them to establish Global Lifeguards Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation based in Vero Beach. Today, Global Lifeguards, a new member of the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network, is helping beachfront communities. This newly formed ocean watch program utilizes a growing network of trained volunteers, while actively seeking participation from lifeguards, police, firefighters, and public safety agencies. These volunteers alert and inform the public about ocean conditions, marine life, and possible hazards within oceanfront communities. Global Lifeguards is partnered with Senior Corps in an effort to tap into the talent and experience of seniors who wish to channel their efforts toward volunteer service in the areas of ocean safety, environment, and homeland security. In addition, Global Lifeguards is actively supporting the efforts of Citizen Corps and Neighborhood Watch initiatives to help protect our nation's coastline and precious natural ocean resources. Volunteer Global Lifeguards reporters make daily postings on standardized Internet-based Ocean Safety Boards, using a simple point and click format to provide warning flags (green, yellow, or red); surf and ocean conditions (wave height, type, water visibility); hazards (weather and environmental emergencies), dangerous marine life sightings, and suspicious incidents. Global Lifeguards also provides basic online recognition training with self-evaluation testing, marine life research, and information regarding medical treatments for ocean related injuries. To join, logon to www.globallifeguards.org and fill out the Beach and Ocean Safety Board Reporter Application. For additional information, please contact Global Lifeguards Inc., P.O. Box 8262, Vero Beach, Florida 32963-8262; call (866) 302-6453; or email: info@globallifeguards.org Table of content |
| © 2003 Marine Resources Council of East Florida |