Turning Grief into Action: Brooklyn South’s Water Safety Initiative

A Community United by Purpose

The summer of 2024 brought unimaginable tragedy to our Brooklyn South community when two promising young students—Elyjha and Christian—lost their lives to drowning at Riis Park.

In the depths of their grief, their mothers made an extraordinary decision. Rather than allowing their pain to isolate them, they chose to transform their profound loss into purpose by becoming advocates for water safety education—knowledge that could have saved their children’s lives.

Partners in Prevention

This initiative represents the power of partnership in addressing a critical need. Brooklyn South school administrators, the Swim Strong Foundation, and district leadership under Superintendent Michael Prayor have joined with these determined mothers to create meaningful change.

Our March presentation reached 150 parents, demonstrating the community’s commitment to this cause. As one principal noted, this work honors the memory of Elyjha and Christian while creating a lasting legacy of safety for all students.

What began as one school’s response to tragedy has blossomed into a district-wide commitment. The “Know Before You Go” program provides essential water safety skills that can prevent future tragedies.

Building Life-Saving Skills

This partnership goes beyond raising awareness—it’s about equipping our youth with practical skills. By focusing on water safety education and swimming instruction, we address the root cause of water-related tragedies.

Every student who learns to swim and understand water safety represents a potential life saved. The Swim Strong Foundation and Brooklyn South schools continue to develop structured programs that will serve our community effectively.

Together, as partners united in purpose, we transform tragedy into lasting change and ensure no more families experience this heartbreak.