The Think Waves Story and Why Your Support Matters
Waves save lives
There’s a moment, just as your toes meet the water’s edge, when the vastness of the ocean humbles you—its power both exhilarating and humbling. For millions, the sea is a playground, a sanctuary, a source of adventure. But for those caught unaware beneath its shining surface, the ocean can become a place of hidden peril—especially when rip currents silently pull swimmers into danger. Every year, lives are changed in an instant, families are shaken, and communities are left searching for answers. Yet, amid this challenge, a movement rises: Think Waves Lifesaving Organization (TWLO), founded by world champion big wave surfers Milton and Michael Willis, is turning fear into education, panic into empowerment, and danger into opportunity. By sharing the wisdom of the “Surfers Way,” TWLO is not only saving lives but inspiring a global shift—one wave, one lesson, and one donation at a time.
TWLO Mission
Think Waves Lifesaving Organization (TWLO) is not just another nonprofit—it’s a movement led by surfers, for everyone. Founded by Milton and Michael Willis, world champion big wave surfers and officially recognized lifesavers, Think Waves is on a mission to remove danger, panic, and fear associated with rip currents and replace them with clear, accurate information and the wisdom of the “Surfers Way”.
Their approach is simple but profound: think like a surfer. Experienced surfers understand that rip currents are a natural part of the ocean’s rhythm. They know how to spot them, use them to their advantage, and safely navigate back to shore. Think Waves aims to make this knowledge accessible to all, reducing rescues and preventing drownings worldwide.
Why Rip Currents Matter
Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore. They are responsible for most ocean rescues and drownings, often because people panic or don’t know how to react. Think Waves teaches that rip currents themselves are not dangerous—panic, fear, and misinformation are the real threats. With the right knowledge, anyone can learn to recognize and escape a rip current, turning a potentially deadly situation into a manageable one.
The Surfers Way: Education, Empowerment, and Action
TWLO’ educational programs and public awareness campaigns are designed to be fun, interactive, and easy to understand. They use real-life stories, engaging tools, and hands-on workshops to teach beachgoers how to spot, avoid, and escape rip currents. Their “Surfers Way” philosophy is about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving in the ocean, connecting with nature, and reaping the mental and physical benefits of “Ocean Therapy”.
Milton Willis, a legendary figure in the surfing world, embodies this spirit. He surfs daily when he can and encourages everyone—surfers and non-surfers alike—to embrace the ocean’s healing power. Even if you can’t get to the beach, just thinking about the ocean can have profound benefits, a concept known as the “Blue Mind” effect.
The Impact of Think Waves
The results of TWLO’ work are tangible. Thousands of surfers and beachgoers have benefited from their educational platforms, community research, and global safety campaigns. Their programs are designed for all ages and backgrounds, making ocean safety accessible to everyone. By teaching people how to stay calm, spot rip currents, and self-rescue, Think Waves is helping to reduce the number of ocean rescues and drownings each year.
Lifeguards in the U.S. perform over 100,000 rescues annually, many of which involve swimmers caught in rip currents or panicking. While there are no exact statistics, experts agree that widespread knowledge of the “Surfers Way” could prevent a significant portion of these incidents—potentially saving tens of thousands of lives each year.
The Willis Brothers: Pioneers of Ocean Safety
Milton and Michael Willis are more than just founders—they are pioneers. Their experience surfing the largest waves ever documented, including during Hawaii’s historic “Condition Black” in 1998, gives them unique insight into ocean dynamics and safety. They have advocated for updated rip current safety protocols and developed the “Blue Out-White In” approach, inspired by legendary waterman Eddie Aikau.
Their commitment to sharing their knowledge and experience is unwavering. Whether through workshops, public campaigns, or their merchandise, every effort is aimed at saving lives and making the ocean a safer, more welcoming place for all.
Why Your Donation Matters
Supporting Think Waves is about more than just giving money—it’s about investing in a safer future for everyone who loves the ocean. Here are compelling reasons to donate:
• Saving Lives: Your donation directly supports educational programs and workshops that teach people how to recognize and escape rip currents, reducing drownings and rescues.
• Empowering Communities: TWLO reaches thousands of people each year, from local beachgoers to international audiences, making ocean safety knowledge accessible to all.
• Supporting Innovation: Funds help develop new educational tools, interactive platforms, and public awareness campaigns that engage people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Promoting Mental and Physical Well-being: TWLO’ “Ocean Therapy” and “Blue Mind” initiatives highlight the healing power of the ocean, encouraging people to connect with nature for better health and happiness.
• Building a Legacy: By supporting Think Waves, you become part of a movement led by world-class surfers and lifesavers who are dedicated to making the ocean safer for generations to come.
• Transparency and Impact: As a 501(c)(3) public charity, Think Waves is committed to transparency and accountability. Every dollar you donate goes directly toward lifesaving education and outreach.
Join the Movement
Think Waves is more than an organization—it’s a community of ocean lovers, educators, and lifesavers. Their mission is urgent and their impact is real. By donating, you help ensure that everyone, from seasoned surfers to first-time beachgoers, has the knowledge and confidence to enjoy the ocean safely.
Imagine a world where every swimmer knows how to spot a rip current, every parent can teach their child ocean safety, and every community is empowered to prevent drownings. That’s the world Think Waves is building—and your support makes it possible.
Surf’s up. Let’s make every wave count.
Think Waves Lifesaving Organization. Removing panic, fear, and misinformation. Replacing it with the Surfers Way. Helping to reduce rescues and prevent drownings worldwide. Your generous donation will help save lives, perhaps the life of someone you may personally cherish or know.
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