The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project was started to address the significant but poorly understood problem of drownings in the Great Lakes. The project has two main goals: 1) to better quantify the scope of the drowning problem through improved data collection; and 2) to train people like surfers to recognize drowning victims and respond appropriately with water rescue techniques. While more research is still needed, preliminary research suggests there are dozens of drownings annually already, highlighting an urgent need for improved safety education and emergency response efforts.