Ribbon Cutting for Je'Sani Smith Foundation

The Je'Sani Smith Foundation's purpose is to save lives by providing education, awareness, and water skills training on beach safety, seaward-flowing water currents, and other coastal hazards.  Increasing awareness of natural conditions that pose an imminent danger and risk at our beaches, such as rip currents, is a crucial component to improve public safety.

Kiwana and Terry Denson started this foundation when their son passed away from a rip current in 2019.  Kiwana Denson told herself she needed to make sure that this did not happen to no one else and that the Coastal Bend needed more education on rip currents.  Kiwana started the foundation late 2019 and has continued to strive in the community.  In September 2021 Governor Abbott signed and executed the Beach Awareness legislation for the whole month of April to be Beach Awareness month.  The Je'Sani Smith Foundation has also just rebranded and has new billboards and signs off of highway 37.