Float Don't Fight was created to help people survive rip currents so that beaches continue to be fun and safe spaces.
Rip current drownings ARE preventable!
Please read about Ali Joy’s story below to learn more.
A Tragedy becomes a mission to save lives
Click through the tabs to learn how Ali’s experience inspired the Float Don’t Fight cause.
It was a beautiful day at Atlantic Beach, NC. Even though it was late in the afternoon, many people were still on the beach. The environment was festive, relaxed with no apparent sign of danger. Lifeguards had gone home for the day and no warning flags were flying. Yet, a dangerous rip current lurked yards from where we were sitting.
We had only been at the beach for a few minutes when we noticed that the girls were too far out. We dropped everything and ran out to save them. They were moving so fast as if they had a motor attached to them. We were relieved to get to them, but then realized that we were now all in danger. I made it back with the girls, but Austin did not.
I realized an important life saving lesson that day. If the girls had a float AND if we had grabbed a float when we went out to rescue them we all would most likely have survived. I also recognized what did save me and the girls. A marine near us had shouted, “Float on your back!” Doing this, we were able to survive long enough to be rescued. This led to our phrase: Bring a Float, Grab a Float, Be a Float.
Fathers Day Weekend
June, 15th 2018
It was Father’s Day weekend when I lost my husband. Austin and I had taken the children on a surprise vacation to Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. We spent a beautiful day picnicking, gathering shells, and exploring Shackleford Banks.
That evening we went to the beach, which was still crowded and festive. Minutes after finding a spot, a rip current captured our twin daughters. My husband said “the girls are too far out… “He ran. I ran. Austin got to them, but we all continued to struggle in the breaking waves where we could not stand.
Austin did not make it, but the three of us did, thanks to the help of Marines and surfers: the woman who called 911; the men and women who helped the marines bring us in; and an amazing young lady who took care of us on the beach, drove us to the hospital, and stayed with us until family arrived.
As a survivor of an underestimated killer – more than tornadoes, lightening and sharks combined annually, I want to share what I learned that may help you:
One, bring a floatation device to the beach. Two, grab a floatation device before you go out to save someone. Three, if you find yourself in a rip current; float, don’t fight.
Float Don't Fight is founded and a team emerges
The awareness initiative began with a facebook page…
Friends and family offered to help, and a team was formed.
Not long after this tragedy occurred, a close friend contacted Ali. Her family member had also just been caught in a rip, but she knew of Ali’s story, and, thankfully, she survived.
From this moment on, Ali knew that she could save other lives.
She began discussing a plan with her brother, John Gaidies, and friend, Helen Bertelli, a PR specialist. They collaborated to form the Float Don’t Fight Facebook page and the motto: Bring a Float, Grab a Float, Be a Float.
Not long after, Ali contacted another friend, Tom Gill, Deputy Chief of the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service, and also a high school and college classmate of Austin’s.
Ali and Tom were both interviewed on CBS 6, Virginia This Morning. The message began to spread.
Many other friends and family members have pitched in to make this organization a reality; Float Don’t Fight is now applying for 501C3 status.