MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (AP): Drowning survivors and victims' families are pushing for increased education on how to stay safe in Lake Michigan waters.
A group called the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project led a water safety conference Tuesday in Michigan City with educators, first responders and others. The group also teaches classes and works with families to promote water safety.
The group's founder, Dave Benjamin, nearly drowned in December 2010 when he was surfing in Lake Michigan off the Portage coast. He battled waves and currents but managed to float on his back for 40 minutes before he was pushed to open water and made it to shore.
Benjamin says schools need curriculum for water safety similar to tornado and fire drills.
