OUR STORY

A Hero’s Legacy: The Story Behind Bring a Noodle

On May 7, 2019, my life changed forever. While celebrating our anniversary in Panama City Beach, Florida, my fiance’ Reece and I were caught in a rip current. As we struggled against the pull of the water, Reece used his final moments and his last bit of strength to throw me toward safety. Because of his heroics, I was able to float and eventually swim to shore. Reece was not able to get himself out.

In those terrifying moments, one thought kept racing through my mind: I wish I had a pool noodle to hold on to.

That thought became the foundation of Bring a Noodle. Rip current deaths are 100% preventable, and the solution is often as simple as having something to float on. Since that day, I have learned the staggering truth: there are over 60,000 rip current rescues in the U.S. every year. Many people, like I once did, view rip currents as rare “natural disasters,” when in reality, they are a daily occurrence that even surfers use to reach the waves.

We have dedicated this mission to the love of my life and my hero, Maurice “Reece” Cousin. We invite you to join us in spreading one simple, life-saving message: If you can float, you can survive.

“Because of your efforts, the word is getting out. As a Mom, I really appreciate that”

DeeDee Riviere

“So grateful for all you are doing to bring awareness and educate on what to do if in this situation”

Mary Boyd

“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!”

Michele Alexis

It is great that you are bringing awareness and educating people on this issue.

Jonell Badon

This is a very good thing that you are doing. I pray that your words will not go unnoticed

Jeanine Hillard

You are bringing so much awareness to people with this page, saving many lives for years to come!

Elizabeth Tabor

Keep spreading the word. You are making a difference one post at a time

Beth Hays

I just saw your story on Fox8News…you are making a difference

Isabel Barry

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

Scott LeBlanc

You are saving lives!!!!!!!!

Julie Light

Appreciate you for spreading the word.. he’s saving lives

Todd Barze

Shelli, until this happened to you and Reece I had no idea that it happened so frequently

Lisa Cappel

Thank you very much Shelli for helping increase awareness of this!

Steve Kernahan

This is an important message for us all to learn what to look for while swimming at the beach

Andre Rosselot

Thank you so much for the awareness and trying to help others with this

Lanell Tadlock

Thank you for bringing awareness to Rip Currents.

Steve Chamberlain

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

LEARN ALL ABOUT RIP CURRENTS

Help Us Spread the Message and Increase Rip Current Awareness

We can not make a change without you.

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Bring a Noodle was developed to help increase rip current awareness and education. Information provided is not intended as a substitute for advice from other professional organizations.  We encourage you to consult with other agencies and professionals such as the United States Lifesaving Association, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Weather Service for additional information.  The soul use or reliance of any information contained within this site is at your own risk.