The Ocean Rescue Our Ocean initiative was established to merge bystander rescue care and ocean protection STEAM grounded educational content. The goal is to help families learn how to be as safe as possible along our coastlines and pools. The Surfrider Foundation has provided the information and support to address early warning know how about beach erosion, marine litter, marine protected areas, oil spills, water quality, and who to notify regarding distressed animals or suspicious human behavior. The Med Tac program provides expertise in bystander rescue care of sudden cardiac arrest, choking and drowning, life threatening allergies, major trauma, opioid overdose, infections, transportation accidents, and bullying. Learning modules, toolboxes, and courses will be distributed to the Surfrider chapters and clubs, schools, colleges, and membership organizations such as scouts, sports teams, and lifeguard programs serving and training youth in coastline communities.

The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. It is fighting for:

• Plastic Reduction: Reducing the impact of plastics in the marine environments that surround us.
• Ocean Protection: Defending our oceans from the challenges threatening the vitality of the ecosystem.
• Beach Access: Working with decision makers to ensure full and fair beach access for all to enjoy.
• Coast & Climate: Taking on issues that threaten our beaches and natural shorelines.
• Clean Water: Protecting the health and sustainability of our planet’s most precious resource.

The Surfrider Foundation is providing the latest environmental science support to the Be THE FIRST Responder Program.  The substantive Surfrider programs may be found at www.surfrider.org

The Med Tac Bystander Rescue Care program was established in 2015 in Orange County California and Houston Texas. Med Tac is short for “Medical Tactical” and is an advanced first aid platform to battle failure to rescue. The Med Tac team trains anyone from 8 to 80 to master critical bystander care skills that can save lives before EMS arrives during the most common life-threatening emergencies.  The Med Tac team provides best practices and STEAM grounded know how to the Ocean Rescue Our Ocean Rescue program through TMIT Global, a 501c3 Medical Research Organization founded in the mid 1980’s. See www.MedTacGlobal.org, www.SafetyLeaders.org and www.GlobalPatientSafetyForum.org

The Ocean Institute was established in 1977 as the Orange County Marine Institute. Today it is a community-based, federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization nationally renowned for its ocean science and maritime history educational programs. All programs at Ocean Institute are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning. The Med Tac Team provides bystander rescue care training to the Ocean Institute staff. High school students supported by medical experts from University of California, University of Texas, and Stanford faculty have placed Med Tac Rescue stations at the Ocean Institute to protect the community.  See www.oceaninstitute.org to take advantage of its programs.