New York City
USA
ROCKAWAY BEACH PROJECT
A significant impediment to water safety is inequitable access to swimming pools in urban areas. Recognizing this lack of resources, Rising Tide Effect partnered with the Rockaway Hotel to provide a safe space to host swimming lessons. Located on the famed Rockaway Beach, the hotel is a hospitable locale and iconic backdrop, a perfect place for our students to improve their skills.
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According to the CDC, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death in people under 30. One in five people who die from drowning is under 14. The Rockaway Peninsula has powerful currents and a high frequency of rip tides. While the water appears deceptively calm, the currents are strong enough to carry a swimmer wading in knee-deep water out to sea.
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Dozens of people drown annually at Rockaway Beach due to key factors such as swimming alone without supervision or at night when no lifeguards are on duty. The average age of these victims is 16 years old.
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With these facts in mind, The Rockaway Hotel is not only an attractive place to swim but a symbolic place to learn. As one of the most dangerous locations for unskilled swimmers, Rockaway is an ideal place to educate youth on the importance of swimming safety. With their newfound skills, our students return to their communities safer and empowered, ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.