Imagine a man, a true adventurer, who dares to dive into the murky depths of New York's waterways, braving the choppy waters of the Upper New York Bay. Meet Sante Scardillo, a fearless soul with a unique passion. In a city where swimming in these waters is discouraged, Scardillo has found his sanctuary, a place where he can escape and find peace.
Scardillo, a native Italian with a love for the sea, has been swimming daily for over three decades. However, it was the pandemic's closure of city pools that sparked his interest in exploring the less pristine waters of New York City. He compares the waters of his homeland, the Ionian Sea, to the Caribbean, with its crystal-clear beauty, a stark contrast to the polluted waters he now swims in.
"I'm in my own world when I swim, but a gentle nudge from a plank of wood or the sight of a sand shark brings me back to reality," Scardillo shares. He's had his fair share of encounters, but nothing has deterred him from his daily swim.
But here's where it gets controversial: while the waters are generally safe during dry weather, a rainstorm brings a different threat. Raw sewage, dumped directly into the waterways, can pose a health risk. Em Ruby from Riverkeeper, an environmental organization, advises waiting 36 hours after a storm before taking a dip. Yet, Scardillo, who swims an hour daily, has never fallen ill.
"The average New Yorker might think it's dangerous, but I've had no issues," he says with a confident smile. "It's not for the faint-hearted though. I never stop to catch my breath."
And this is the part most people miss: Scardillo's swim is not just about the thrill. "It calms me," he reveals. "I have my best ideas when I swim."
As the sun sets, Scardillo describes a breathtaking view: "If low tide coincides with sunset, you get a perfect backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the Verrazano Bridge. It's a sight to behold."
So, is Scardillo's swim a daring adventure or a peaceful escape? You decide. What do you think? Is it worth the risk for the reward of such a unique experience?
