OUR STORY
On May 7, 2019 my life forever changed. During our annual anniversary trip to Panama City Beach Florida, Reece and I found ourselves stuck in a rip current while walking out in the water to cool off. After struggling to swim out of the Rip, Reece used the last bit of strength he had to throw me away from it. I was then able to float on my back and swim to safety. Reece was not able to get himself out and drown.
While I was struggling in the Rip, all I could think of was that I wished I had a pool noodle to hold on to. Thus the idea for “Bring a Noodle” was born. Rip Currents are totally survivable if you can float! A noodle is simply a symbol for ANYTHING that you can use to float on! Since Reece died, I have been haunted by the fact that Rip Current deaths are so easy to prevent by simply “Bringing a Noodle” anytime you enter into the water deeper than your ankles.
It is amazing to learn of all the misconceptions and total lack of awareness there are about Rip Currents. Prior to this I knew that Rip Currents exist but thought they were more like tornadoes or mud slides, something we should watch out for. I had no idea that there was over 60,000 rescues in the US a year and that surfers use Rips daily to get out past the waves. I have been shocked to learn how frequently Rip Currents occur!
This site was formed to help increase awareness and education about Rip Currents with hopes of preventing further tragedies. There are approximately 100 deaths a year in the US, all of which are completely preventable if you have something to float on. Will you please join us to help spread our message about Rip Current awareness and tragedy prevention?
We dedicated this page to the love of my life, the best person I have ever known, and my hero…Maurice “Reece” Cousin.
“Because of your efforts, the word is getting out. As a Mom, I really appreciate that”
“So grateful for all you are doing to bring awareness and educate on what to do if in this situation”
“At Orange Beach, Alabama. Noodles and boogie boards for the kiddos and us. Educated the kids about riptides before going in the water and what to do if caught in one. Thank you!”
It is great that you are bringing awareness and educating people on this issue.
This is a very good thing that you are doing. I pray that your words will not go unnoticed
You are bringing so much awareness to people with this page, saving many lives for years to come!
Keep spreading the word. You are making a difference one post at a time
I just saw your story on Fox8News…you are making a difference
I am absolutely SHOCKED at the frequency of drownings! I had no idea. I knew about rip currents, but I’ve definitely learned some new stuff
You are saving lives!!!!!!!!
Appreciate you for spreading the word.. he’s saving lives
Shelli, until this happened to you and Reece I had no idea that it happened so frequently
Thank you very much Shelli for helping increase awareness of this!
This is an important message for us all to learn what to look for while swimming at the beach
Thank you so much for the awareness and trying to help others with this
Thank you for bringing awareness to Rip Currents.
Stay Calm
Stay Calm, float and conserve your energy, let it pull you out
Swim Parallel
When you feel it start to let go swim parallel to the shore
Ride the Waves
Once you swim away from the Rip, ride the waves back to the shore
Rescue
The best way to rescue someone is to throw them something to float on, call 911 and find a lifeguard
