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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
Letter from the Founder
“A Year of Empowerment”
Dear Friends and Partners,
As we reflect on the past year, our hearts are full of gratitude and joy. Rising Tide Effect 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.
Looking back on our journey with Rising Tide Effect, 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 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 community. 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.
Our Impact
In 2024, Rising Tide saw tremendous growth in its programs and lessons provided. Across our Swim Corps program and lessons for Ocean Park, Rockaway Hotel, and P.S.9 Sarah Smith Garnet, we served nearly 300 children and youth.
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.
NYCHA Swim Corps
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This year, our flagship Swim Corps program for youth in New York City’s public housing achieved extraordinary success, providing workforce development and swim lessons for 66 people, a phenomenal 196% increase from 2023. Over the course of 48 lessons through July and August, participants created resumes, conducted mock interviews, were trained in CPR/First Aid, and introduced to new experiences including kayaking and surfing.
Swim Corps also teaches participants about blue economy opportunities.
Michael Scott 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.”
MICHAEL SCOTT
Beyond traditional swim lessons and job training, this program serves as a powerful catalyst for personal transformation by fostering enjoyment in the water and overcoming fears. Jahmir Plater and Kiara Green capture these perfectly. Jahmir found a new passion through kayaking, where he hopes to “become more confident and less afraid to kayak.” Similarly, Kiara, a returning participant, describes how our program helps individuals break free from their “bubble of fear”, overcoming her fear of water. Both of these participants’ stories embody the transformative power of our programs by overcoming fears and building confidence in the water.
This transformative effect of our programs extends beyond the pool.
Ehimer Soler, who participated in our art therapy sessions, found that they “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 Soler
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 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
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Our outreach to the residents of Ocean Park Apartments in Far Rockaway, Queens held 66 swim lessons provided to 75 participants, a 355% increase in participation from the previous year. This program has become a beacon of hope and development for participants of all ages, from children to adults.
Rockaway Hotel
Our Rockaway Hotel program saw a heartwarming 106% increase in our Baby & Me classes, reaching 11 families. Additionally, in partnership with St. John’s Residence for Boys, we taught seven boys swim lessons and provided 88 hot meals to them.
P.S.9 Sarah Smith Garnet
In 2023, Rising Tide Effect launched a new program to provide school children with lifesaving water safety skills. With the help of our friends and partners at the Chelsea Piers Foundation and P.S.9 Sarah Smith Garnet, RTE started its first classes in the fall. Students were assessed on their skills, grouped by skill level, and taught critical water safety skills such as breath control, buoyancy, propulsion, and water entry/exit. By the end of both semesters, all students were able to tread water either with assistance or independently.
In addition to greatly improving students’ confidence and abilities in the water, RTE also educated them on rip currents, ocean safety, how to use the buddy system, and other lifesaving knowledge. We taught 95 Brooklyn students, including from Integrated Co-Teaching classes, in the 2023-2024 school year, and are proud to be continuing this program in 2024-2025.
Words from Our Community
Providing 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.”
mariamu touray
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."
keyana curry
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
This year also built new partnerships that helped us grow and succeed. Collaborations with organizations such as Chelsea Piers Fitness, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and New York City Housing Authority 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.
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.
Explore our experiences from the 2024 Season
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 Safety Educational video 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. Read more about our media initatives here: Media
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. Interested in becoming a partner? Click here: Partner
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. Learn more about our programs here: Programs
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.