On the shore of Santa Cruz's Tenna Reef in Spain, Mamadu Mbakal spreads out his arms and glides across the water. For the 24-year-old, this is more than just a swim—it's a major achievement. Mbakal is one of dozens of African migrants taking swimming lessons offered by volunteers, following their treacherous journeys to Spain's Canary Islands. The Mali native arrived in Tenerife after a grueling six-day boat trip from Senegal, with over 200 others. "I wouldn't do it again," he says. "It's very difficult, very dangerous. It's a risk we took because we didn't have a choice. It's tough."