In a city as vibrant and diverse as New York, water has always held a central role, from the Hudson River to the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, recent statistics reveal a troubling trend: the highest number of drownings in NYC since 2019. It underscores a grim reality that many residents, particularly in underserved communities, are inadequately equipped to navigate aquatic environments safely. Rising Tide Effect, founded by former Division 1 swimmer Kaitlin Krause in 2020, aims to combat this issue comprehensively. By focusing on water safety education and swimming instruction for at-risk populations, they aspire to create a society where access to water-based activities aligns with safety.
Krause’s dedication stems from a powerful belief: the water should be a source of joy, not fear. At a recent gathering that drew together supporters and officials alike, such as NYC’s First Deputy Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa and Queens Council Member Shekar Krishnan, she articulated a compelling truth—the ability to swim and understand water safety is not merely a skill, but a matter of life and death. This stark acknowledgement calls for immediate action, underscoring the urgent need to bridge the wide gap that exists between privileged communities and those at higher risk of accidental drownings.
Transformative Programs: A Path to Water Comfort
The transformative potential of Rising Tide Effect becomes evident when considering their innovative programs like Swim Corps. Krause highlighted an inspiring anecdote: many participants had never set foot in a pool, nor experienced the ocean’s waves. These revelations underscore an unsettling gap in water familiarity among youth—one that can lead to dangerous situations. Beyond merely teaching swimming techniques, Rising Tide Effect emphasizes the cultivation of swimming as a life skill, evolving fear and embarrassment into confidence and enjoyment.
To address pressing concerns in local communities, Rising Tide Effect has also launched the “Water Wise – Respect the Rip” awareness campaign. The initiative aims to educate swimmers about the dangers of rip currents—a common cause of drowning—utilizing public transportation systems to spread crucial messages. This commitment to proactive education exemplifies a broader strategy that not only targets the immediate risk of drowning but advocates for informed recreation alongside safety.
Community Collaboration: An Integral Aspect of Change
A pivotal aspect of Rising Tide Effect’s mission is its collaboration with local stakeholders. During the event, Michi Jigarjian, Vice Chair of Rising Tide Effect and founder of Work of Art Holdings, shared insights regarding community engagement. The initiative’s pilot program at the Rockaway Hotel serves as a model for combining local resources with a pressing community need; as a novel approach to drowning prevention, it utilized the hotel’s pool before its official opening to provide early swimming instruction and safety education.
This collaboration extends beyond mere facility usage. Local government officials like Council Member Krishnan illustrate the desperate need for accessible swimming facilities. In Jackson Heights, a lack of public pools often leaves residents—disproportionately from marginalized backgrounds—without essential survival skills. Krishnan’s efforts to partner with private schools to offer swimming lessons manifest the kind of grassroots activism necessary to foster real change in communities historically neglected by public programming.
Shaping the Future: From Fear to Empowerment
Understanding the psychology surrounding water safety unlocks pathways toward empowerment. Board Chair Jon-Paul Rorech articulates the stark reality that many youths are unwilling to admit their inability to swim, often risking their safety in order to avoid perceived embarrassment. Programs like Rising Tide Effect not only equip participants with swimming techniques but also work to dismantle the stigma attached to being a non-swimmer. Converting fear into joy and shame into confidence fosters a culture where water is embraced rather than feared.
The organization’s commitment to saving lives is not just about reducing drowning statistics; it is about instilling a sense of belonging and empowerment in often marginalized youth communities. Rorech’s assertion that drowning is a “horrific thing” which “is happening in our community” reflects a more profound truth: community mobilization and systemic change are necessary components of addressing this public health crisis.
Efforts like the upcoming “Poolside Party at the Rockaway Hotel” fundraiser highlight the ongoing dedication of Rising Tide Effect to cultivate community involvement and introduce innovative solutions to a preventable tragedy. Through awareness, collaboration, and empowerment, the fight against drowning incidents in NYC represents not just a battle against statistics, but a quest for societal transformation.