Family and Friends Organize A Memorial to Honor Adam Braverman

Note: We received the following letter from Adam’s sister, Tamara, and would like to thank everyone involved in this event for their incredible generosity and support of our mission in Adam’s name.

We lost our son and brother, Adam, on April 15th 2017 just before his 30th birthday when he passed away unexpectedly without any conclusive cause of death. He had been swimming at the time and from everything his friends and our family have read about Shallow Water Blackout we are convinced this is the reason.

Adam was a fish; from age 3 years he swam Olympic size lengths underwater and loved underwater swimming more than regular swimming.  He was tiny and we used to worry that his lung capacity would be insufficient but he told us not to worry and continued his way; and swam underwater constantly.

On a trip to China with friends, he raced against a friend underwater for some 20 minutes.  His friend then left to take a shower and Adam continued to swim underwater.  The pool was not large and the maximum depth was only 1.2 meters.  Unfortunately, he did not come out of the pool alive.

Adam’s joy of life, sport and friendship inspired his friends, family and the Worth Old Boys Rugby & Football Club of which he was Captain to organize a charity Memorial Day on the 9th of June this year to raise money for charities in Adam’s name including Shallow Water Blackout Prevention, in order to advance awareness and prevent more senseless death’s like Adam’sThe day comprised of rugby and football matches, children’s games, raffles / auctions with a BBQ and it was a perfect day to all come together to remember Adam. With approximately 150 attending on the day the minute’s applause in celebration of Adam’s life before the teams started play really was an amazing reminder of how much Adam was and continues to be loved. Due to the generosity of those who came and also those who could not but who bought raffle and auction tickets (for fantastic prizes such as holidays to France and Israel, Rugby tickets for England v New Zealand as well as signed sports memorabilia etc.) we managed to raise more than £19,000 ($24,668) – half of which will go to Shallow Water Blackout Prevention.  The other half will go to Wooden Spoon, a charity which benefits under-privileged children through Rugby.

Please see photos of the day: www.facebook.com/celebrateadam/

We will be holding this event annually in order to continue Adam’s legacy by coming together in the spirit of comradery through sport and to raise money in his name.

We also will be raising money throughout the year at different events such as the Lucerne Marathon in Switzerland and will keep you updated!

Thanks, and kind regards,

Tamara Braverman

Ambassador Nick Thompson is Raising Awareness at His New High School

Nick Thompson, our Ambassador in Newport Beach, CA and several of his recruits are spreading the word about Shallow Water Blackout at their high school,Corona del Mar. The school is a public school located in the Eastbluff neighborhood of Newport Beach, California, and belongs to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. 

Nick became and Ambassador in 2017 and has been mentored by Karen Curreri who lost her son Joe Curreri. Joe was a former USC swimmer, a Staff Sergeant and Special Forces communications sergeant assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis, WA. He died on October 26, 2007 in an accidental drowning incident after a shallow water blackout at Siet Lake while deployed to the Southern Philippines region near Panamao, Jolo Island, Republic of the Philippines. Joe was 27.

Thanks to Nick and his team they will greatly enhance our efforts to educate and raise awareness about the causes and prevention of a shallow water blackout.  Most importantly they are helping us save lives.

The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) and Shallow Water Blackout Prevention (SWBP) Announce Partnership

AOAP and SWBP recently announced their partnership with the goal to support and advance each other’s mutual mission to increase water safety and prevent drownings.

Both organizations are domestic 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporations and are run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and a full-time Executive Director.

AOAP exclusively promotes and advocates policies, practices and procedures that contribute to safer and improved aquatic education, aquatic recreation activities, programs, and facilities; provides and supports quality aquatic education opportunities; coordinates and conducts research in the field of aquatic management and safety; promotes coordination and cooperation between established aquatic associations responsible for all aspects of aquatic programming, aquatic management, aquatic operation and maintenance and aquatic facility design. As well as providing and annual conference and educational workshops for communities on drowning prevention and education.  A portion of all proceeds will be used towards drowning prevention, i.e. for Learn to Swim Program Lessons and Grants for Life Jackets.

General Statement of Vision: The AOAP will be the leading organization representing aquatic professionals in advocacy, education, research, and professional collaboration.

SWBP focuses its efforts on preventing shallow water blackouts (AKA underwater blackout or faint), which result in drowning or sudden death. The organization advocates for the cessation of hypoxic training, no prolonged breath-holding, never swimming alone, never hyperventilating prior to swimming, never playing breath-holding games, and adequate and intermittent rest while training or swimming recreationally.  SWBP enlists the aid of volunteer “Ambassadors” and establishing volunteer Chapters, both nationally and internationally, to educate and raise awareness about the causes and prevention of shallow water blackouts within their respective communities. Additionally, the organization presents and exhibits at aquatic-related conferences, YMCA’s, PTO’s, secondary schools, service club organizations, summer camps and parks where swimming is available, and water safety workshops. With its outreach programs, a universally recognized website, and the distribution of free information SWBP is a leader in raising awareness in order to prevent shallow water blackouts.

General Statement of Vision: SWBP will be the driving force behind a universal understanding and acceptance of what causes and how to prevent shallow water blackouts and ultimately bring an end to such needless and preventable tragedies.  

New International Chapter: Great Britain

Introducing Our Newest International Chapter, Shallow Water Blackout Prevention Great Britain, and it's Representative, Ali Beckman

Ali has been involved in the aquatic industry in the UK all her life, from being a competitive swimmer, to teaching and coaching, tutoring and now as Technical Director for Puddle Ducks Franchising Limited, a national learn to swim organization with over 20,000 swimmers.  Ali also works closely with the Swimming Teachers' Association (STA), which is the largest swimming and lifesaving teacher training company in the world, sitting on aquatic boards to develop swimming teaching qualifications which are delivered world-wide.  

Ali first became interested in raising the awareness of the dangers of hypoxic training when she started tutoring teachers and coaches from swimming clubs (post learn-to-swim).  Many of the coaches spoke about how their own club focused a lot on hypoxic training to ‘increase cardiovascular fitness’ – it led to Ali undertaking some research on the potential dangers and whilst there was information available, there wasn’t enough to be able to bring full awareness to the issue, which she believed there could be. Over the years Ali continued to talk to teachers and coaches about the potential dangers of this type of training; however, there were a lot of barrier,s and a lack of understanding about what was often seen as a positive training and conditioning skill.  Further, research eventually led Ali to the Shallow Water Blackout Prevention Organisation where she finally found the evidence and resources she needed.  When Dean E. Haller, The Executive Director of Shallow Water Blackout Prevention, asked Ali if she would like to be involved she jumped at the chance to bring the campaign over to the UK, to help raise awareness and educate wherever and whenever possible.  With over 20,000 swimmers at Puddle Ducks, there’s an opportunity to educate many parents and children on the dangerous of Shallow Water Blackout from a very young age, to ensure that no lives are ever lost.  Ali is proud to be a Shallow Water Blackout Prevention awareness representative in the UK. 

We look forward to working with Ali to help educate and raise awareness about the dangers of prolonged breath-holding and it's potential to induce a shallow water blackout.   

SWBP Launches Winter Fundraising Campaign

Shallow Water Blackout Prevention’s
Winter Fundraising Campaign

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Gold Level Sponsor - $10,000
A sponsorship at this level entitles the organization to have their logo prominently displayed on our website and in our brochure. A description about the organization and a statement explaining why the organization is supporting us will be included. Additionally, the support will be recognized in our blog and on our Facebook page and displayed whenever we exhibit at a conference or convention.

Silver Level Sponsorship - $5,000
A sponsorship at this level entitles the organization to have their logo prominently displayed on our website and in our brochure. Additionally, the support will be recognized in our blog and on our Facebook page.

Bronze Level Sponsorship - $2,500
A sponsorship at this level entitles the organization to have their logo prominently displayed on our website and recognized on our Facebook page.

If your organization is interested in becoming a Sponsor,  please contact us at: admin@shallowwaterblackoutprevention.org

INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:

Individuals who make a donation will be entered into a drawing for a thank you gift commensurate with the following:

$1,500 and above: VASA Trainer Pro
$1,000 to $1499: Autographed Michael Phelps Swim Cap
$750 to $999: Autographed Antonio Brown (Steelers) Lithograph Print
$500 to $749: Insulated Bag Cooler with Shallow Water Blackout Prevention Logo
$250 to $499: Scout Key Finder Bluetooth Anti-Lost Device & Keys Finder Alarm with Shallow Water Blackout Prevention Logo
$100 to $249: Compact First Aid Kit with Shallow Water Blackout Prevention Logo

Donations of any amount even if less than the above are all equally appreciated.

Donations may also be mailed to:
Shallow Water Blackout Prevention,
5125 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Norcross, GA 30092

Or click below to donate online.

WHAT WE DO AND WHAT YOUR SPONSORSHIP AND/OR DONATION SUPPORTS:

Awareness:
There are over 350,000 drownings worldwide and 4,000 in the United States annually and it is estimated that a large percentage of all drownings are the result of a shallow water blackout – How it Happens.  As a 501(c) 3 nonprofit Shallow Water Blackout Prevention’s primary mission is to prevent drownings and near-drownings as a result of a shallow water blackout.  We do this by raising awareness about the causes and prevention of a shallow water blackout and educating anyone who takes to the water, be they casual swimmers, both adults and children, competitive swimmers, free-divers, those who spearfish, coaches and the general public.  We work with organizations such as The Michael Phelps Foundation, The US Coast Guard, The Redwoods Group and many others both nationally and internationally that have a connection to water safety.  

Safety:
We are currently working with several coaches within the competitive swimming arena at both the high school and college level as well as several Aquatics Directors from the YMCA community.  Our first goal is to create guidelines for coaches and swimmers for best practices that is part SWBP awareness campaign for swimmers, parents and lifeguards and a part Continuing Education Program for swim coaches. Our second goal is to have this information become part of the American Swim Coaches Association’s series of Coaching Certifications as well as the American Red Cross’ Lifeguard Certification Program.

Community Service:
Our Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for high school students to earn Community Service credits by raising awareness within their community about the causes and prevention of a shallow water blackout.  However, this Program is open to anyone who wishes to become one of our advocates.  We supply the necessary materials, signs and literature about shallow water blackout free-of-charge.

Outreach:
We attend national aquatics-related conferences and conventions and serve as a speaker, exhibitor and sometimes both. We make presentations to civic organizations such as the Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, students within grades 6 to 12, and Parent Teacher Organizations. We also work with YMCAs educating their staff especially their lifeguards. We do not charge a fee for this service.

Chapters:
We work closely with those who have been personally impacted due to a shallow water blackout and have a desire to raise awareness about its causes and prevention.  We help them establish a Chapter of Shallow Water Blackout Prevention should they wish to do so. The mission of all of our Chapters is the same – raise awareness and educate the public about shallow water blackouts. We currently have Chapters in several states, Australia and the Netherlands. There is no cost to the Chapter for our assistance.

Support:
As an organization founded by a family that lost a son due to a shallow water blackout and managed by another that suffered from the same tragedy we truly understand the trauma of losing a loved one as a result of a phenomenon that is easily preventable.  When we become aware of another similar tragedy we discretely reach out to the family to offer our personal support if it is desired. We also stay in contact with the family as long as it is necessary.

Website:
Our website has been recognized as the go-to source for information and resources and it is consistently listed first when shallow water blackout is Googled. With the exception of signage everything on our website is free-of-charge and we encourage visitors to use our materials as they deem appropriate.  

SWBP Announces Partnership with NISCA

Shallow Water Blackout Prevention Partners with the National Interscholastic Swim
Coaches Association (NISCA)

NISCA is a professional organization that supports High School coaches of all aquatic sports. They are dedicated to coach’s education and athlete recognition through the All-America Program. NISCA allows opportunities for coaches to network and exchange knowledge and experience. 

We are honored to announce that we have been selected to partner with NISCA to help them raise awareness about the prevention of a shallow water blackout.  This partnership will have several components.  First, NISCA will promote our Ambassador Program nationwide as a way for High School students on all aquatics-related teams to become involved in community service by raising awareness about the causes and prevention of a shallow water blackout.  We will support their efforts and provide the necessary materials for their outreach. Schools and their collective team’s students that can show they have made a concerted effort, as judged by NISCA, to raise awareness will be recognized by NISCA and be awarded banners to display within their school. Raising awareness about shallow water blackout will be one of the primary reasons the award will be made.

Second, we will provide information and training (education/awareness/prevention) videos about shallow water blackout and our organization to the NISCA for the distribution to all their member coaches during their annual conferences, trainings and whenever requested.

Finally, but not least, NISCA will detail our partnership and what we do and why in their July-August 2018 Newsletter, which is distributed to every High School swim team and their athletes within the country. Our organization will also be prominently displayed on their website as a contributing Partner to the accomplishment of their mission.

Online Training Now Available for Shallow Water Blackout Prevention

The Redwoods Group, an insurance provider to more than half of all of the YMCA's in the U.S., has made their online training program about shallow water blackout available to everyone free-of-charge.  We encourage you to take 10 minutes to review this course. It will be 10 minutes well spent and could save a life.

Click here to access this training!

US Navy Bans Prolonged Underwater Breath-Holding

Pictured below is Lieutenant, Christopher Frederick, M.D, who is currently training to become an Undersea Medical Officer for the United States Navy.  Chris sent  this picture and informed us that all of the Navy's aquatic training facilities have this sign prominently displayed and stated that they rigorously enforce this policy.  

Thank you Chris for your service to our country and thank you to the
United States Navy for recognizing the potential hazards
associated with prolonged breath-holding.

Welcome to Our Newest Ambassador

Olivia Jackson

Olivia Jackson will be joining her brother, Benjy Jackson, as co-ambassador in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  She along with her family witnessed attempts to retrieve and revive our Executive Director’s son after a shallow water blackout.

Olivia is a high school student at American Heritage in Plantation Florida. She enjoys time with her friends and family living the Florida lifestyle. Her weekends are spent outdoors; boating, tubing and fishing.  Her summers are spent in the Bahamas and at camp in Northern Canada where she is working on her Red Cross water certification.

We welcome Olivia to our team of national Ambassadors and sincerely appreciate their efforts to educate and raise awareness about Shallow Water Blackout and how to prevent it.  You are all saving lives

High School Club Raises Awareness of SWB

Our Newport Beach, California Ambassador, Nick Thompson (right) and his helper Mitch Harvey, recently participated in Mater Dei High School’s Club Fair to attract students to the newly formed "Shallow Water Blackout Awareness Club.” Located in Santa Ana, CA, Mater Dei High School is one of the largest Catholic high schools in the United States. The school offers an extensive Club Program to meet the interests of all its students and there are over 60 active clubs offering everything from learning origami to competing in the Mock Trial competition. 

Thanks to Nick and Mitch its newest Club, the Shallow Water Blackout Awareness Club, will greatly enhance our efforts to educate and raise awareness about the causes and prevention of Shallow Water Blackout.  Most importantly they are helping us save lives.

Congratulations to Nick, Mitch and our Newport Beach Ambassador Coordinator, Karen Curreri, on your extraordinary efforts and a job well done!