As the summer sun beckons New Yorkers to their local beaches and pools, the shadow of drowning incidents looms large over the city. Last year marked a startling peak in drowning rates, the highest since 2019, igniting a sense of urgency among public safety advocates. In response, a determined collective led by Kaitlin Krause, a former Division 1 swimmer, has risen to confront this pressing issue head-on. Founded in 2020, the non-profit organization Rising Tide Effect aims not only to provide swimming instruction but also to foster a profound awareness of water safety, especially among the most vulnerable communities in New York City.
Krause’s conviction that safe access to aquatic environments is a fundamental right reflects a deep-rooted concern that too many individuals are deprived of vital swimming skills and water safety knowledge. “The water is something that everybody in this room has a connection with, but the reality is most people don’t have that,” she emphasized during a recent gathering. This sentiment underscores the disconnect between privileged access and the urgent need for equitable safety education—alluding to the stark reality that many have never even seen a pool or enjoyed the ocean’s embrace.
Bridging the Gap
The statistics surrounding drownings among urban youth are alarming. Too often, young people find themselves in precarious situations, risking their lives for fear of admitting their inability to swim. Krause eloquently articulates that this fear is rooted in a lack of knowledge. “If you know what to avoid, if you can spot a rip current, you’re not going to go for a swim,” she stated. This profound ignorance of water safety can lead to disastrous consequences, particularly for those who do not receive proper education.
To counteract this trend, Rising Tide Effect has initiated several impactful programs, including a pilot initiative at the Rockaway Hotel that utilized its pool for community-engaging swimming lessons. This innovative approach not only fills a critical need but also aligns with the hotel owners’ vision of addressing local drowning rates. “We were the only operating pool at the time of our opening,” noted Michi Jigarjian, the hotel’s owner. This commitment to water safety reflects a growing awareness among stakeholders that empowering individuals through basic swimming skills can be a game-changer in preventing accidents.
The Power of Positive Change
At the heart of Rising Tide Effect’s mission is a philosophy that merges education with empowerment. Board Chair Jon-Paul Rorech articulated a vision that transcends mere prevention: “We want to save lives. Death by drowning is a horrific thing, but our mission carries this idea of empowering positive evolution.” This perspective reframes water safety as not just a precaution, but as a source of joy, confidence, and personal growth.
Participants or “Swim Corps” members often enter the program having never set foot in a pool, let alone the ocean. Krause recalls a stirring moment when a group of teens, captured in a video surfing for the first time, exuded pure joy—a transformative experience that signifies much more than just learning to swim. It’s about building confidence and breaking down the barriers of shame that accompany one’s inability to engage with water activities.
Community Support and Legislative Action
The gathering’s attendees included notable city officials, such as Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, NYC’s First Deputy Parks Commissioner, and Council Member Shekar Krishnan, whose advocacy for public swimming facilities illustrates the pressing need for community support. Krishnan’s personal dedication further emphasizes the critical need for accessible swimming lessons, particularly in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, which currently lacks public pools. His efforts to collaborate with local private schools reflect a model that other communities might follow as they seek safe environments for their youth.
Moreover, initiatives such as the “Water Wise – Respect the Rip” campaign aim to raise awareness around the dangers of swimming, particularly regarding rip currents. Such public service campaigns are pivotal in drawing attention to water safety while equipping residents with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Transformative Celebration and Future Aspirations
The upcoming “Poolside Party at the Rockaway Hotel” fundraiser on June 13 serves as a testament to the collective effort and community spirit driving Rising Tide Effect’s mission forward. Events like these foster community relationships while raising funds critical for expanding their programs across the city.
The movement initiated by Rising Tide Effect is one of empowerment through education, connection through community, and ultimately, the prevention of tragic drownings. As they continue to bridge the gap between privilege and access, every laugh echoed at the shore reminds us that the water can indeed heal if only we dare to embrace it together.