About Us
Through creeks, rivers, lakes and seas, water connects all of the different parts of our world.
The sea knows no borders, no passports, no division. It is vast, open, and full of possibility.
But for people who have been displaced, the sea can be a place of trauma—a perilous crossing, a weaponised border drawn by hostile power.
At Reclaim the Sea, we believe the ocean should be a place of healing and freedom, not harm and fear.
Reclaim the Sea is a community-led movement for a world with no borders where everyone can access the sea as a space of safety, joy, and renewal. Where safe and legal routes are available for all and migrant rights are upheld and championed.
The heart of Reclaim the Sea beats through our participants, volunteers, and supporters. Together, we are transforming the sea from a barrier into a bridge—a place of belonging, resilience, and hope.
We do this by
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Building Strong Partnerships
We collaborate with organisations already making a meaningful impact in refugee and asylum-seeker communities, nurturing ongoing and deep relationships.
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Providing Tools and Responding to Real Needs
We provide tools and support to help people who have been displaced to reconnect with the sea. Our programmes are designed for those facing severe challenges yet eager to learn a new skill and overcome fears connected to the water. We break down barriers, offering opportunities for people to access the sea safely.
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Being Community-Led
We listen first. Whether it's swimming, surfing, or paddleboarding or other activities related to the water, we tailor our trauma-informed courses to what participants find most valuable and empowering.
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Creating a Lasting Legacy
Our work extends beyond our programmes. We equip participants with the tools, access, and confidence to continue their journey in the water long after our programmes end. Some of our participants have even become our volunteers!
How we do it
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Reclaim
Reclaiming the sea means reclaiming possibility and joy. Through our Reclaim programmes, we provide people with tools to reconnect with the ocean. These trauma-informed programmes, which can include swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding lessons, are designed to break down barriers to access, affirm and instill self-confidence, and foster a sense of belonging.
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Campaign
Reclaim the Sea campaigns for safe passage, freedom of movement, and the right to refuge. Through our work, we push for policies that uphold dignity and protect people. We are committed to amplifying the voices of those fighting for a world where no one has to risk their life at sea in search of sanctuary.
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Explain
Stories shape understanding and art can spark change. Reclaim the Sea curates a powerful collection of stories, articles, poetry, and art that illuminate the realities of border politics and the militarisation of the sea, as well as what it would mean to reclaim it as a space of safety and belonging. By explaining our mission through information, perspectives, and creative expression, we highlight the sea’s potential to heal.
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"I feel extraordinary... These people are not like my family. They are my family. They make me feel so welcome. I can't believe that me, a woman my size, can actually float in the water. I feel incredible... [it] makes all my worries go away"
Rido
Reclaim The Sea Participant -
![Reclaim the Sea Icon]()
“When I came here I wasn’t happy, but now I am happy. I found many friends here, I see many kind people here. They help me for swimming, for paddle boarding and for surfing and its very nice."
Zara
Reclaim Programme Participant
Watch our film
Between the waves, their stories unfold.
Displacement is personal. Follow a few of Reclaim the Sea’s programme participants as they reclaim the ocean as a place of healing, reconnect with their confidence, and rebuild their sense of community. Thank you to our film sponsors Herd Outdoor Apparel and Vvast for their support!
Our Impact
Through our trauma-informed water programmes, refugees and asylum seekers transform their relationship with the sea—from a source of fear to one of confidence and joy. By reclaiming the sea, we reclaim dignity, build community, and create ripples of impact that reach far beyond our shores.
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70
Dedicated Volunteers
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49
Courageous Participants
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3
Community-Building Programmes
Download our Latest Impact Report
Dive into the stories, successes, and lasting impact we've created together in our mission to reclaim the sea.
Our Partners
Our impact grows through the power of partnership. By joining forces with organisations deeply rooted in refugee and asylum-seeker communities, we are able to create a true network of support, understanding, and shared values. Our partners help us reach those who need us most, while fostering vital connections between participants and local volunteers. Together, we create spaces of joy, provide essential resources, and ensure our programmes continue to make a lasting difference.
Get involved
The sea is for everyone and we each have a role to make it a place of safety and belonging. Join the movement to reclaim the sea for all.
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![A man stands holding thumbs up before a race for charity]()
Fundraise
Together, we can turn the tide. Use our guide to host a fundraiser for Reclaim the Sea and help us raise funds to support programmes for people who have been displaced.
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![Two women support another woman learning to swim]()
Volunteer
Your time and energy can make waves of change. We’re always looking for passionate people to lead and support our programmes, drive creative fundraising efforts, and assist with day-to-day operations.
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![A girl smiling in a pool in the sunshine]()
Donate
Donate today to be part of our movement to reclaim the sea.Your generous support fuels our mission to harness the ocean’s power to restore dignity and build community for people who have been displaced.
