NYCHA Youth Dive into Lifesaving through the Swim Safety Corps

At first glance, the NYCHA Swim Safety Corps might seem like other summer job programs. But for nearly 100 young NYCHA residents across all five boroughs, this six-week summer opportunity turned out to be unique – and maybe even life-changing.

Launched in 2023 by the Public Housing Community Fund and Rising Tide Effect, the Swim Safety Corps program has grown dramatically since its founding. A program that began with just 17 participants two years ago has surged to nearly 100 this summer, while boasting a 94 percent graduation rate and throwing open the doors to careers in the “blue economy” — the many and varied industries related to water, from maritime transportation to conservation.

“The Swim Safety Corps is about more than just learning to swim, it’s about saving lives and creating career pathways that many NYCHA youth never imagined possible,” said Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund. “Too many NYCHA youth lack access to safe swimming environments, and this program directly addresses that gap by providing access, education, and opportunity for long-term career growth while also fostering a lifelong connection to water. We’re proud to continue growing this program with our incredible partners to ensure every participant leaves stronger, safer, and more confident, both in and out of the water.”

NYCHA Swim Safety Corps participants, who range in age from 16 to 24, receive intensive training in swimming, water rescue, and CPR/AED certification. The program’s curriculum includes 150 hours of classroom instruction, pool sessions, and open-water experiences — along with exposure to potential career pathways.

A special highlight of the Summer 2025 Swim Safety Corps program was Water Rescue Demo Day,
held at Rockaway Beach in early August

This year’s program also featured a special highlight: Water Rescue Demo Day at Rockaway Beach, where participants were able to observe live rescue operations and meet FDNY, NYPD, and NYC Parks lifeguards.

Participants also visited the NYC Ferry fleet at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, went surfing and kayaking with their instructors, and attended weekly workshops featuring guest speakers from the maritime, emergency management, and coastal conservation fields.

“The Swim Safety Corps is a transformative model grounded in public health, equity, and youth development,” said Kaitlin Krause, Founder and Executive Director of Rising Tide Effect. “We’re proud to bring life-saving water safety education to all NYCHA communities and beyond.”

Funded through the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s Summer Youth Employment Program, the program also pays participants up to $2,475 while learning. This “earn-while-you-learn” model helps ease financial barriers to participation and helps participants focus fully on their training.

The program also provides transportation vouchers, gear, meals, free Chromebooks, and workshops in resume building and interview skills. And there’s an emphasis on wellness: participants receive nutritional guidance, emotional intelligence and stress management training, and tools they can bring to any high-pressure situation, in or out of the water.

As one Corps alum put it: “The water doesn’t scare me anymore. Now, it inspires me.”