ABSTRACT
Water has a far-reaching history as a ‘sacred substance’, as reflected in the plethora of Roman baths, Christian springs and holy wells that continue to hold both spiritual and cultural significance in contemporary society. Much has been made of the visual properties of aquatic environments as a potential mechanism behind some of their benefits, but clearly these are not the only possible sensory encounters. In light of growing evidence that coastal engagement can contribute to health and wellbeing, it is troubling that these so-called ‘healthy blue spaces’ are increasingly inaccessible to and/or underutilised by socially, economically or environmentally disadvantaged groups, particularly ethno-racial minorities. Similar to other coastal cities in the US, historically people of colour were restricted from visiting coastal areas in South Florida until 1965. Urbanisation and development of coastal areas damage ecosystems, put pressure on finite resources and leave increasing numbers of people exposed to the impacts of climate change, extreme events and pollution.
