As we approach another summer in New York City, the gravity of drowning statistics cannot be ignored. Recent reports indicated that the city saw its highest number of drowning incidents in recent years, a wake-up call that compels action not merely from local authorities but from dedicated citizens and organizations. In response, a determined group of advocates led by Kaitlin Krause has taken significant strides through the Rising Tide Effect, a non-profit organization aimed at making water safety education accessible to underserved communities. It is an initiative marked not only by compassion but also by the recognition of a harrowing truth—the water can be a perilous playground without the right knowledge and skills.
Building Bridges Where There Are Gaps
Krause, a former Division 1 swimmer, founded Rising Tide Effect in 2020, catering to communities where access to swimming lessons and safety education is severely limited. By uniting various stakeholders, from local lawmakers to community members, this organization aims to bridge the gap between the affluent and those at risk of drowning due to a lack of water literacy. The recent gathering hosted in downtown Manhattan epitomizes the collaborative spirit that the organization embodies. Participants included First Deputy Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa and Queens Council Member Shekar Krishnan, who understand the importance of water safety as a collective responsibility. The cries for change are loud and clear: it is time to engage the community in a transformative dialogue about water experiences—both joyful and dangerous.
Life or Death: The Message Resonates
At the heart of the Rising Tide Effect’s mission is an urgent message from Krause, referred to as “a matter of life and death.” This candid proclamation shatters complacency and allows us to challenge the norm. Unfortunately, many city dwellers can attest that their relationship with water is fraught with fear rather than warmth and joy. Krause’s initiative aims to change this narrative by empowering individuals—a mission that is aptly highlighted by an inspiring video showing teens from at-risk areas joyfully surfing for the first time. If we are to tackle the issue of drownings, it is essential not just to teach swimming but to cultivate a deep-seated respect for nature’s unpredictable forces.
Education as the Cornerstone of Safety
One salient point that Krause emphasized is the alarming void in water safety education, especially among youth. The dire need for knowledge about how to recognize rip currents and other aquatic hazards is essential for survival. Rising Tide Effect’s campaign “Water Wise – Respect the Rip” is an innovative outreach strategy that employs public transit—buses, subways, and ferries—to disseminate this critical information. If we can instill knowledge at the community level, fewer lives will be put at risk, especially as recreational activities heat up in the summertime.
Community and Collaboration: Foundations for Change
The response from local businesses and community leaders has been promising. The organization’s pilot program at the Rockaway Hotel has established a precedent for how private entities can contribute to public safety. The hotel, under the vision of owner Michi Jigarjian, recognized the high drowning rates in the area and sought to utilize its facilities for wellness and education. Such collaborative efforts illustrate how multifaceted the solution to this problem can be, ascribing importance to not only individual contributions but collective resourcing.
Transformative Experiences: Empowering the Next Generation
One of the most compelling aspects of Rising Tide Effect is its acknowledgment of the social stigma surrounding swimming. Many adolescents in underserved communities feel compelled to hide their inability to swim out of fear of judgment from their peers, leading to dangerous situations. By transforming this shame into self-love and confidence, the organization empowers youth to embrace their connection to water positively. This psychological shift is invaluable; it opens channels for creativity, camaraderie, and healing.
A Future Crafted through Efforts
Rising Tide Effect’s upcoming fundraiser, the “Poolside Party at the Rockaway Hotel,” is not just a charity event; it is a celebration of progress and a call to action. The vulnerability of individuals who cannot swim should not be a shadow on summer joy but rather a catalyst for community reform. Local leaders like Council Member Krishnan are pushing for better access to public swimming facilities in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, focusing on education and fostering familiarity with water.
The road ahead is riddled with challenges, but the combined efforts of individuals like Krause, Krishnan, and countless community advocates have created a swirling current of hope and determination—a promising sign that together, the tide can indeed be turned against drowning tragedies in New York City.