In the heart of New York City, a daring swimmer defies conventional wisdom and finds solace in the most unlikely place. Imagine a real-life Kramer, the iconic 'Seinfeld' character, slicing through the waters of the Red Hook channel, a place notorious for its fecal pollution and ferry traffic. But for Sante Scardillo, this daily swim is a thrilling sanctuary.
Scardillo, a resident of Little Italy, has made the choppy waters of the Upper New York Bay his personal playground. Donning nothing more than a swimsuit and a swim cap, he braves the bay from June to November, even in the coldest of days. This elderly gentleman, eligible for MTA discounts, is a true adventurer at heart.
As boats zoom by, passengers shout in surprise, almost missing the sight of Scardillo. But he's quick to respond with a witty retort, ensuring he's seen and heard. While swimming in these waters is not officially encouraged, it's not forbidden either, leaving Scardillo free to pursue his passion.
His journey began 30 years ago when he started swimming daily. But it was the pandemic that pushed him to explore the less-than-ideal waters of New York City. Having grown up swimming in the crystal-clear Ionian Sea off the coast of Puglia, Italy, Scardillo had to adjust to the murky waters of the Big Apple.
Swimming in these waters is not without its surprises. Scardillo finds himself suddenly jolted back to reality when something brushes against him. He's encountered floating planks of wood and sand sharks, but these experiences only add to the thrill.
And here's where it gets controversial: despite the risks, Scardillo insists on swimming in the bay for an hour each day. He claims it's a safe practice during dry weather, but environmental experts warn of the dangers after rainstorms when raw sewage contaminates the water. Yet, Scardillo remains unaffected, never falling ill from his swims.
"It's a daring endeavor, not for the faint of heart," he admits. But for Scardillo, it's a form of meditation. He finds peace in the unpredictable open sea, where he can't touch the ground and the variables are endless. It's a challenge that sparks his creativity, and he claims to have his best ideas while swimming.
The views from the water are breathtaking, especially at sunset. With the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline in the background, and the Verrazano Bridge in the distance, Scardillo finds beauty in his daily routine. He believes that while some people need vacations to escape their daily lives, he loves his, finding joy in the most unexpected places.
But is this practice truly safe? Are there hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's dive into this intriguing debate.
