October 1-2, 2026
South Haven, Michigan

Great Lakes Water Safety Conference

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About the Conference

The Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium is bringing the water safety community back together – in person – for two days of practical learning, problem-solving, and connection.

Our water safety events in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio have brought together hundreds of first responders, beach/park and community leaders, researchers, survivors, victims' families, and other advocates sharing and learning ways to reduce drowning across the Great Lakes region. Now we're heading back to Michigan for our biggest gathering yet.

Join us.

Who Should Attend

This conference is for anyone working to make Great Lakes communities safer:

  • First responders and water rescue professionals

  • Beach managers and park leaders

  • Public health professionals and researchers

  • Elected officials and policymakers

  • Survivors and victims' families

  • Nonprofit leaders and community advocates

  • Educators and camp directors

  • Tourism and hospitality professionals

Whether you're launching your first life jacket loaner station or scaling a regional prevention strategy, you'll find your people here.

From Plans to Practice

This year's theme – From Plans to Practice: Great Lakes Water Safety in Action – reflects what we hear from communities all the time: "We want to make our beach safer, but we’re not sure how. Help us make it happen."

Expect real-world tools, proven approaches, and the kind of cross-sector collaboration that helps communities move from planning to implementation.

South Haven is the perfect setting. This Lake Michigan beach community has implemented several lifesaving water safety features along its shoreline and pier, making it a living example of the work we'll be discussing inside the Michigan Maritime Museum.

What to Expect

Interactive sessions, not just presentations. Our signature "reverse panel" format puts the collective expertise of the room to work on your toughest challenges. Bring your biggest questions – you'll leave with answers.

Real-world tools you can use Monday morning. Every session is designed around practical takeaways: implementation guides, model policies, program templates, and peer connections that last well beyond the conference.

Cross-sector problem-solving. Drowning prevention doesn't fit neatly into one discipline. Neither does this conference. You'll work alongside people from law enforcement, public health, parks and recreation, emergency management, education, and more – because that's how the best solutions get built.

Schedule At-A-Glance
Day Zero

Demo Day

Wednesday, September 30

Vendor & Committee Setup (Michigan Maritime Museum)

12:00–2:00 PM

Hands-on water safety demos, equipment showcases, and live rescue techniques.

2:00–6:00 PM

Harbor Social – Join fellow attendees for an informal welcome gathering at a local South Haven restaurant.

 A great chance to connect before the conference begins.

6:30–8:30 PM

Day One

Conference Day 1

Thursday, October 1 

Networking Breakfast

7:00–8:00 AM

Full day of keynote presentations, panels, breakout sessions, and vendor exhibits

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Evening program with dinner, keynote address, and networking

6:00–8:00 PM

Day Two

Conference Day 2

Friday, October 2

Networking Breakfast

7:00–8:00 AM

Keynote presentations, reverse panels, breakout sessions, and vendor exhibits

8:00 AM–3:45 PM

Closing session

3:45–5:00 PM

Keep checking back for more details on sessions, speakers, and activities. All are subject to change as we continue to improve the program for you.

  • “Great Lakes beach people who want to tap into the best of the best in water safety should attend this conference.”

    – Past GLWSC Conference Attendee

  • “One of the best conferences I've been to in a long time.”

    – Past GLWSC Conference Attendee

  • “The high level of interaction is appreciated. So many amazing water safety experts, audience interaction, and live demos. Can't wait until the next one.”

    – Past GLWSC Conference Attendee

Venue

Michigan Maritime Museum

260 Dyckman Avenue · South Haven, Michigan 49090

The Michigan Maritime Museum sits along the Black River in downtown South Haven, just steps from Lake Michigan. Our conference will take place in the museum's event spaces, with breakout rooms, a vendor exhibit area, and access to the museum's maritime heritage exhibits throughout the event.

Venue highlights:

  • Main conference hall with capacity for 150 attendees

  • Breakout rooms for smaller sessions and workshops

  • Vendor exhibit space in the Atrium Overlook, open to the main hall

  • Museum exhibits and Historic U.S. Coast Guard Outbuilding included with registration

  • Waterfront setting on the Black River

Location

South Haven, MI

South Haven is a Lake Michigan beach community known for its iconic red lighthouse, sandy beaches, and vibrant downtown. It's also a community that has taken real steps to improve water safety along its shoreline – making it a fitting host for this conference.

South Haven is located on Michigan's southwestern freshwater coast.

Pricing

  • Early Bird (through May 15): $110

    Regular Price (after May 15): $150

  • Early Bird (through May 15): $90

    Regular Price (after May 15): $100

  • Early Bird (through May 15): $90

    Regular Price (after May 15): $100

  • Early Bird (through May 15): $25

    Regular Price (after May 15): $25

All multi-day and single-day registrations include access to the optional Wednesday Demo Day at no extra charge.

Our drowning prevention events are known for their value and for exceeding expectations. Register and find out why.

Interested? Save your spot today. 

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Your Conference Planning Team

Mary Ann Best, Co-Chair
Megan Dodson, Co-Chair
Pam Ford, Host
Leslie Dorworth
Bob Dukesherer
Drew Ferguson
Dan Metcalfe
Jamie Racklyeft
Caty Simcek