Expanding Access to Safe Waters: A Journey from Pensacola to New York City

A Personal Connection to Bruce Beach

For many, the shores of Bruce Beach in Pensacola, Florida, are more than just a scenic waterfront; they are a bridge to the past. For local resident Davis, the beach holds a profound significance. His great-grandfather was instrumental in constructing the Pensacola Lighthouse, a historic landmark that stands proudly near the city’s naval air station. “Whenever I’m at Bruce Beach, I can see the lighthouse, and I feel my ancestors shining down on me,” Davis reflects.

This personal connection is not merely nostalgic; it symbolizes hope for the future. Davis envisions a revitalized waterfront that serves as a beacon for young African-American residents. “I can only imagine how the youth would come here during the summer, dreaming about their futures,” he says. This sentiment resonates deeply in a community that has historically faced barriers to access and opportunity.

The Davis Center: A New Era for East Harlem

More than 1,000 miles north, a similar narrative unfolds at the newly opened Davis Center at the Harlem Meer in New York City. After decades of advocacy from community organizations and local groups, this expansive recreational facility has finally opened its doors, aiming to restore vital public amenities to residents, particularly in the predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods of East Harlem.

The center, which operates year-round, offers a diverse range of programming designed to foster community engagement through fitness, art, music, wellness, and education. A key focus this summer has been on providing swim lessons and aquatic activities-services that local residents have long sought.

Candace Senior, who oversees the aquatics programming for NYC Parks, is particularly enthusiastic about the center’s offerings. With a history of teaching swim lessons since 2012, Senior understands the importance of access to water safety education. “I learned to swim when I was just four years old, which is rare for many of my friends in minority communities,” she explains. “Many don’t have the resources to pay for lessons or access free programs.”

For Senior, the Davis Center represents a much-needed corrective to historical inequities in access to aquatic education.

Historical Context: Racial Disparities in Water Access

The disparities in access to safe swimming facilities are not merely anecdotal; they are rooted in a long history of racial segregation and discrimination. Across the United States, many beaches and recreational areas have been historically less accessible to Black communities. In Pensacola Bay, for instance, the waters that are available to Black residents are often more perilous than those enjoyed by their white counterparts. This has contributed to persistent racial disparities in drowning rates, a tragic reality that underscores the need for equitable access to safe swimming environments.

In urban settings like New York City, the situation is similarly dire. Many public pools in neighborhoods with high populations of people of color are underfunded or neglected, making opportunities for swim education scarce. For families living in uptown Manhattan, the prospect of traveling to a public pool in another borough can be daunting, even if the lessons are free.

A Community-Centric Approach to Aquatics

The opening of the Gottesman Pool at the Harlem Meer marks a significant shift in this narrative. Residents of East Harlem now have access to a facility that not only prioritizes safety but also fosters community. The center’s programming is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all New Yorkers, regardless of their neighborhood, can benefit from essential water safety education.

As Senior notes, “All New Yorkers deserve access to resources that keep us safe in the water-no matter where we live.” This philosophy is at the heart of the Davis Center’s mission, which aims to create a more equitable landscape for aquatic education.

Bridging the Gap: A Vision for the Future

The revitalization of Bruce Beach and the establishment of the Davis Center are part of a broader movement to address historical inequities in access to recreational spaces. These initiatives not only provide immediate benefits but also serve as a foundation for long-term community development.

Davis’s vision for Bruce Beach as a place of inspiration for young African-Americans mirrors the goals of the Davis Center in East Harlem. Both locations aim to empower the next generation, offering them the tools and resources to dream big and achieve their aspirations.

Conclusion: A Call for Continued Advocacy

As communities across the nation work to rectify historical injustices, the stories of Bruce Beach and the Davis Center serve as powerful reminders of the importance of access to safe recreational spaces. These initiatives highlight the need for continued advocacy and investment in marginalized communities, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to learn vital life skills, such as swimming.

In a world where access to resources can often be dictated by race and geography, the efforts in Pensacola and New York City stand as beacons of hope. They remind us that with commitment and community engagement, we can create a future where everyone has the chance to thrive-both in and out of the water.