The families and friends of drowning victims may benefit through a network that delivers support through emotional, spiritual, and physical resources. Survivors support networks can also assist the lifeguard agencies and other emergency responders with this support during the recovery process to allow them to focus on their mission to recover the victim and to follow-up with support and assistance to both the family and the emergency response personnel to encourage closure, healing, and preparation for future incidents.

One example of a survivors support network for drowning victims was founded by coordination between a non-profit organization in Galveston Texas called the Jesse Tree and the Galveston Island Beach Patrol. It utilizes the process of “Resource Coordination” to provide holistic care to those in need. Quick response is critical, and volunteers often arrive at the scene of a drowning event while the search is still active in order to establish a link with family and do a needs assessment. Volunteers are in close contact with family members during the first few days of the event and often help facilitate a smooth return and waiting support system in the home communities

Each incident that calls the SSN to action provides an opportunity to learn how to better assist the family in crisis. Translation, ministry, grief counseling, accommodations, meals, and negotiations with the coroner, foreign consulates, and funeral directors have all become standard procedures for the SSN. Community patrons generously contribute motel rooms, family meeting/counseling spaces, meals, and on-site “Compassion Kits” as resources to assist the families.

This Survivor’s Support Network Team is composed of:

• A representative of the local lifesaving/first responding organization, who will contact a representative of SSN to initiate the team response.
• A coordinator of the SSN project, who trains volunteers, and develops resources to respond to the needs of the victim’s families.
• Volunteer translators.
• Volunteer counselors.
• Volunteer ministers from the religion or spirituality requested by the family and friends.
• Community volunteers who have been through SSN training.
  

To learn more about the Galveston group and for specific information about the process of forming a local Survivor Support chapter, feel free to visit the Jesse Tree website at https://jessetree.net/survivor-support-network.