Kalamazoo Gazette: Lifesaver of the Year

Robert "Bob" Pratt, the co-founder of the "Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project" was selected as the 2011 Lifesaver of the Year following a national competition. The New Buffalo man received the most votes from among 10 finalists on the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. On Aug. 28,  Pratt and one of his class participants rescued a boy who was caught in a rip current on Lake Michigan.

Pratt said Lake Michigan waters often have "washing machine" surf filled with "flash rips," which are nearly impossible to escape without some type of flotation device.

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Source: Kalamazoo Gazette