In the vibrant and diverse landscape of New York City, a troubling statistic emerged last year: drownings reached an all-time high since 2019. This alarming trend has prompted a dedicated group of advocates to unite with a common goal—to ensure that New Yorkers are educated and safe around water. The Rising Tide Effect, a non-profit organization founded by former Division 1 swimmer Kaitlin Krause in 2020, stands at the forefront of this movement, striving to provide water safety education and swimming instruction specifically tailored to underserved and vulnerable communities. These communities are often most at risk, highlighting an undeniable need for intervention.
Krause rightly labels this initiative as “a matter of life and death.” The stark reality is that many residents lack the crucial connection to water — whether due to socioeconomic barriers, limited access, or insufficient education about water safety. This has become a rallying cry for the Rising Tide Effect, which aims to bridge the gap and make water access, safety, and joy a universal experience.
Connecting Communities with Water
At a recent fundraising gathering downtown, notable figures such as NYC’s First Deputy Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa and Queens Council Member Shekar Krishnan lent their support. Krause emphasized the significance of exposing young individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, to water activities that can be both joyous and healing. Many participants in the organization’s Swim Corps program had never stepped foot in a pool, let alone an ocean. Transforming first-time ocean experiences into sources of joy is where true empowerment lies.
Krause’s passion underscores an essential element of their mission: the drastic lack of water safety education that many communities face. She articulated the importance of understanding potential dangers, such as rip currents, and how this knowledge can significantly reduce accidental drownings. By imparting this crucial education, the Rising Tide Effect aims to foster responsible behavior among youth, ensuring they recognize the hazards and make informed decisions in aquatic environments.
Innovative Awareness Initiatives
In response to the urgent need for awareness and education, the Rising Tide Effect is launching its new campaign: “Water Wise – Respect the Rip.” This initiative will strategically be displayed on buses, subways, and ferries, directing attention to water safety as the summer fast approaches. The stakes are high, and the campaign aims to harness the power of public transit as a platform for disseminating vital safety information.
Rising Tide Effect is also breaking new ground with their pilot program initiated at the Rockaway Hotel. The hotel’s ownership group recognized the drowning rates in the Rockaways and was prompted to leverage their facilities to prevent further tragedies. This proactive approach serves as a model for other hospitality businesses, showcasing how collaboration can foster community initiatives that address pressing social issues.
The success of the pilot led to the expansion of additional programs across multiple locations, with the goal of reaching youths from every borough of the city. As board chair Jon-Paul Rorech articulated, the overarching aim remains to save lives while also fostering a culture that empowers youth through positive experiences in the water.
Cultivating Confidence through Education
One alarming aspect that Rorech examined highlights the sometimes desperate behavior that stems from social pressures. Many teens in seaside communities may feel forced to swim after hours, often putting themselves in peril rather than admitting their inability to swim to friends. The Rising Tide Effect endeavors to change this mindset by offering programs that transform fear and shame surrounding swimming into joy, confidence, and self-love.
Accessible education is the cornerstone of fostering a generation that respects and understands aquatic environments. Council Member Krishnan highlighted the lack of public swimming facilities in areas such as Jackson Heights, advocating for local pacts with private institutions to offer swimming lessons where public amenities fall short. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to learn vital swimming techniques and develop comfort in the water.
As community leaders and organizations rally behind this initiative, there is a growing recognition of the importance of legislation that prioritizes water safety education. The synergy between grassroots organizations like the Rising Tide Effect and local governance indicates an evolving narrative that will hopefully lead to safer aquatic environments for all.
Empowering the Next Generation
The impactful work of the Rising Tide Effect showcases the profound change that can arise from dedicated advocacy and community involvement. The organization is doing more than merely providing swimming lessons; they are instilling a sense of self-worth, resilience, and confidence in young people who might otherwise feel daunted by the water. The upcoming “Poolside Party at the Rockaway Hotel” fundraiser is just one example of how their outreach will continue to grow, attracting attention and resources to help sustain these transformative initiatives.
The commitment to water safety education is an urgent responsibility that cities like New York must embrace in order to create a generation that not only enjoys the beauty of its aquatic resources but also respects and understands them. The Rising Tide Effect stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when passion meets purpose, and the mission to safeguard lives continues to inspire both individuals and communities alike.