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Impact
We are committed to creating positive change in our communities. Through our various programs and initiatives, we have reached countless individuals, providing essential education and support.
Impact Report: Summer 2024
Table of Contents:
Impact Report: Summer 2024
“A Year of Empowerment”
Letter from the Founder
Dear Friends, Partners, and Supporters,
As I look back on our journey with Rising Tide Effect (RTE), I’m overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. When we started RTE, our core belief was simple yet profound: everyone deserves the chance to experience the joy, freedom, and safety of knowing how to swim. This belief remains the heart of everything we do.
Our programs have grown to touch the lives of many in New York City, especially those who are often overlooked. We are deeply committed to empowering both youth and adults by equipping them with life-saving swim skills and instilling a sense of confidence, resilience, and hope. Whether it’s through the NYCHA Swim Corps, which opens doors to the blue economy, or our collaborations with local schools and organizations, our efforts are always aimed at lifting our participants and addressing their unique needs.
None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of our community, partners, and donors. Your belief in our mission and your generous contributions have helped us reach an all-time high of 527 individuals across the city. Together, we are making a tangible difference—reducing drowning risks, promoting physical fitness, and fostering a sense of belonging that goes beyond the pool.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about what the future holds for RTE. We’re committed to deepening our impact,
forging new partnerships, and making sure our programs remain accessible to those who need them most. The road ahead is challenging, but with your continued support, I am confident we will overcome obstacles and achieve even greater milestones.
Thank you for being a vital part of the Rising Tide Effect family. Together, we’re creating a wave of positive change that will ripple through generations to come.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kaitlin Krause
Founder & CEO, Rising Tide Effect
Photo: Kate with Rising Tide Advocates
at the Jamaica Bay Festival (2024)
promoting water safety.
Program Appreciation
Holistic Development and Community Empowerment
At Rising Tide Effect, we see swimming as a powerful tool for personal growth and empowerment. Our programs are designed to foster resilience, confidence, and emotional development. Mariamu Touray’s journey reflects this beautifully: “Joining the swim program and surfing has really changed how I view myself. I’ve built confidence by learning new skills and overcoming challenges in the water. These experiences have helped me become more confident and adaptable in many areas of my life.” Another participant, Keyana Curry noted, "The most beneficial aspect of the program for my growth has been the focus on building resilience and confidence, both in and out of the water."
Participants like Kiara Green have overcome significant challenges through the program. Kiara, who initially feared the water, returned to the program because she didn't want to “be a statistic." Through the supportive and inclusive environment of the NYCHA Swim Corps, she’s now working toward her goal of becoming a confident swimmer by 2025. Jahmir Plater, who discovered a passion for aquatic activities like surfing and kayaking, shared, “I hope in the future I could be more confident and less afraid to kayak.”
These powerful transformations reflect our holistic approach to community development, where mental health support, mindfulness practices, and activities like kayaking and surfing are woven into our programs. By encouraging participants to step outside their comfort zones, we can equip them with life-saving skills and help them grow emotionally, build stronger connections with their communities, and explore new career opportunities in the Blue Economy.
Building Strong Partnerships
Our growth and success are deeply intertwined with the support of our partners. Collaborations with organizations such as Chelsea Piers Fitness, the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) have amplified our impact. Working with first responders like the FDNY Marine Unit and NYPD Air & Sea Rescue has enriched our programs with crucial water rescue demonstrations, further enhancing our educational value.
This Year’s Reflection
As we reflect on the past year, our hearts are full of gratitude and joy. Rising Tide Effect (RTE) has had an extraordinary year, brimming with stories of triumph, growth, and heartfelt transformations. Our mission to empower underserved communities through water safety education and swim instruction has touched countless lives, and we are thrilled to share the profound impact we’ve made together.
Our Impact: A Year of Milestones
NYCHA Swim Corps
This year, our flagship NYCHA Swim Corps program for youth in New York City’s public housing has achieved extraordinary success, with a phenomenal 196% increase in participation. Out of 70 dedicated participants, 66 earned their CPR/First Aid certification, achieving an impressive 94% completion rate.
Our program goes beyond traditional swim lessons—it serves as a powerful catalyst for personal transformation and overcoming fears. Kiara Green, a repeat participant, captures this experience perfectly. She describes how our program helps individuals break free from their “bubble of fear.” Having once struggled with a fear of water, Kiara is now on a path to becoming a confident swimmer by 2025 and looks forward to rejoining the program next year to continue her journey of growth.
Jahmir Plater’s story reflects another dimension of our program's impact. Embracing his love for the ocean, Jahmir shared his hopes for the future: “I hope to become more confident and less afraid to kayak.” His newfound passion and confidence highlight how our program nurtures a lasting connection to the water and inspires participants to explore new aquatic experiences.
Additionally, the transformative effect of our programs extends beyond the pool. Ehimer Soler, who participated in our art therapy sessions, found that “Art therapy helped me reconnect with my goals and my values. I believe that I see what my goals in life are much clearer. I learned that in order to get to the bigger goals, I need to start with much smaller goals.” Ehimer’s insight into the importance of setting and achieving incremental goals underscores the holistic approach of our programs, which integrates personal development with essential life skills.
These heartfelt testimonials showcase the profound and multifaceted impact of the NYCHA Swim Corps. Participants are not only acquiring crucial life-saving skills but also discovering a supportive environment that fosters emotional growth, builds confidence, and inspires a lifelong love for the water.
Ocean Park
Our outreach to the residents of Ocean Park Apartments in Far Rockaway, Queens, saw a stunning 355% growth, with 296 swim sessions offered. This program has become a beacon of hope and development for participants of all ages, from children to adults.
Rockaway Hotel
The Rockaway Hotel: We saw a heartwarming 106% increase in our "Mommy and Me" classes, reaching 107 families. Our continued partnership with St. John’s Residence for Boys, which served eight boys last September, and looking forward to another session this fall. Additionally, 41 community members took part in our swim lessons.
P.S.9 Sarah Smith Garnet
P.S. 9 Sarah Smith Garnet: Our school-based initiative engaged 95 Brooklyn students, showing a remarkable 771% increase in students learning to float independently. This success story highlights the confidence and water competence we aim to instill in every participant.
To Our Donors
We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our incredible donors. Your generosity has enabled us to expand our programs and make a meaningful impact in underserved communities across New York City. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to offer essential water safety education, swim instruction, and professional development opportunities to those who need them most.
Take Michael Scott, for example. He shared, “Honestly, the program as a whole is amazing. I've talked to my family about looking into a job with the New York Ferry, and I've recommended joining next summer to several friends. I've not only learned how to swim but also how to kayak and surf. It’s motivated me to focus more on my physical health.”
Your support has been instrumental in our 196% growth in workforce development and in providing free swim lessons. Every milestone we reach reflects the profound difference you make in the lives of those we serve.
From all of us at Rising Tide Effect, thank you for your continued belief in our mission. Together, we are creating safer, healthier, and more resilient communities—one swim lesson at a time. We look forward to building on this success with you and continuing to make a lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
RTE is excited about expanding and enhancing our programs to deepen our impact. Our future goals include:
Advocacy: We plan to launch a public service announcement to inspire and educate our communities. By increasing our media presence and securing more coverage, we aim to reach a wider audience with our message of water safety and empowerment, creating a culture where everyone feels confident and safe around water.
Partnership Development: Building on our successful collaborations, we will actively seek new partnerships. We’re eager to explore joint initiatives that blend water safety education with career development and job readiness training.
Program Expansion: We are excited to extend our programs into new communities with high concentrations of underserved populations. This expansion will allow us to provide essential water safety education and swim instruction to more young people who need it most.
As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in building safer, healthier, and more resilient communities.
Together, we are making a lasting difference—one swim lesson at a time. Thank you for your continued support of Rising Tide Effect’s mission to empower individuals and transform communities through water safety education.