4th Annual Surviving the Rip 5k/10k Fun Run/Walk

On April 11, 2019, a rip current claimed the life of King High School senior Je’Sani Smith while he was swimming near a jetty on Mustang Island Beach in Nueces County. Since then, approximately sixteen more lives have been lost on local beaches, and each year, over 100 lives (NOAA) are reported lost across the United States due to rip currents. Thanks to community donations, we have contributed to significantly reducing the number of rip current related drownings. Nueces County, Texas, reported no fatalities from rip currents in FY 2022 and FY 2023. However, the tragic drownings of two individuals, including a teenager, on September 22, 2024, in Nueces County, as well as four drownings at Lake Corpus Christi, highlight that success cannot be measured solely by the absence of fatalities.                 

The effectiveness of safety programs, the continuous operation and maintenance of safety protocols, and the cooperation with key stakeholders are crucial. Regular in-person engagement at popular open water spots and community events is essential. The Je’Sani Smith Foundation is dedicated to educating the public and our community, and we need your support!

On April 5, 2025, the Je’Sani Smith Foundation will host its 4th Annual “Surviving the Rip” 5K/10K Run/Walk at Briscoe King Pavilion, Padre Balli Park on the Island. This event is our annual fundraiser and community awareness campaign against open water drowning. Additionally, we are celebrating Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness Month (April), in support of Texas’s Beach Safety Legislation, House Current Resolution (HCR) 46. 

The Je’Sani Smith Foundation’s purpose is to save lives by providing education, awareness, and water skills training on beach safety and open water hazards such as rip currents. Making good safety decisions are only achieved through relentless and consistent visual and verbal open water safety education, intervention, awareness initiatives and programs.