Je'Sani Smith Foundation Uses Virtual Reality for Education

In a groundbreaking effort to raise awareness about the hazards of rip currents, the Je’Sani Smith Foundation has introduced a virtual reality (VR) program designed to educate beachgoers. The initiative was inspired by the tragic drowning of 18-year-old Je’Sani Smith in 2019, who was caught in a rip current. Participants, like Alysa Cantu Benware, have described the VR experience as disorienting, mirroring the confusion one might feel in a real-life rip current situation. The VR program teaches users critical survival skills, such as when to signal for help and how far one can safely venture into the water. Denis Wisner, a volunteer with the foundation, emphasized the technology's ability to create a realistic experience that helps individuals confront their fears without physical risk. This immersive training aims to instill muscle memory, potentially increasing the chances of survival when faced with actual rip currents. Kiwana Denison, the mother of Je’Sani and the foundation's founder, highlighted the importance of repetition in learning these life-saving skills. With support from the Port of Corpus Christi, the foundation has successfully integrated this innovative tool into its educational outreach, aiming to enhance beach safety awareness among the community. The initiative has garnered attention from local students, including those from various high schools who are now pursuing higher education at prominent universities. This collaboration underscores the foundation's commitment to fostering a safer beach environment through education and technology.