On Monday night, 100 locals filled the lobby of the Rockaway Ocean Club in Riis Park for a book signing of “Lifeguard: A Love Story.” Plenty of love was expressed for lifeguards, the restored bathhouse, and Rockaway in general. However, when it came time for author Janet Fash to read a selection from her memoir, other emotions were in play.
Fash, who earned a reputation as a straightshooter in her evaluation of lifeguard operations, turned immediately to sections that describe actions by the controversial former lifeguard union chief, Peter Stein. “Under Stein, understaffing had become a perennial problem,” Fash read. “It had been a decade since the Public Advocate’s report came out warning about how a shortage of lifeguards was causing drownings… Because Stein used the lifeguard test as a system for rewarding or punishing people, he would often turn away competent recruits and veteran personnel.”
The candid descriptions were welcomed by an audience that included former Rockaway lifeguards. One former guard commented that it is difficult to go up the ranks and asked how Fash became the first female chief. Fash admitted, “To me it was like a fluke.” When one of the lifeguard chiefs hit his head hard on the rocks, Fash – in her second year – and Kim Lonegan saved him. Shortly thereafter they were promoted and became the first female lifeguard lieutenants. Fash commented that there are better ways to identify and nurture talent in the corps.
The invitation-only event was organized by the Rockaway Ocean Club (ROC) and The Rockaway Times with an assist from The Gift Is Love, who provided books for guests to purchase. Several local book clubs sent members, as did local civic groups. Guests arrived at 6 p.m. and were treated to beer, wine and light snacks from the ROC – chicken pesto sticks, salad, corn, prosciutto and melon, gourmet pretzels, and fruit cups.
The program began at 6:50 p.m. with remarks by the co-publisher of The Rockaway Times, Paul King, and the co-founder of the ROC, Ursula Damani. King said, “In Rockaway, lifeguards are family and they are legend… Everyone has a lifeguard story. We are fortunate to get an insider’s view through this book.” Damani added, “I read the book from front to back in one sitting. I was so enthralled. One of the key takeaways was water safety.” Damani said the ROC wants to be known for water safety. “If we can save one life through swim education, we are committed to that. It is a passion that really comes through with Janet’s book.”
It was swim safety that got Fash to become more outspoken. A year after an ocean drowning – one that Fash deemed preventable – Hank Iori approached her at the Department of Education to produce a water safety video and then a lifeguard development program. “The idea was to take teens who were on the cusp of being able to get into the lifeguard school and give them the extra support and training they needed. We would hand them over to the Parks Department ready to be lifeguards,” Fash said. “I knew this would piss Stein off, but I did not care.”
Despite all the organizational and management challenges, Fash said lifeguards “go in the water every day. They are making their rescues and they are great kids. They deserve better.” According to Fash, “The public and the lifeguards are the ones that are getting screwed here.”
Fash said she could have read the excerpt that described why she filed a grievance when a pool lifeguard was put in charge of ocean beaches. “The way they are deploying the chiefs in the pools… probably the Department of Investigation should take a look again,” she said. Still, Fash added that she is hopeful that change will come. “I implore all of you to step up” and demand improvements in lifeguard management.
After the program, guests explored the grounds of the ROC, including the courtyard and pool area.
Damani concluded the evening by addressing frequently asked questions about membership and ongoing construction. The hotel is expected to open in 2027, as is the “dive bar” that will be open to the public. The rooftop restaurant will open in 2028. The Ocean Club is not entertaining inquiries about weddings and other private events yet since their catering options are not finalized.
Rockaway residents are eligible for a membership fee of $1,000 per individual and $3,000 per family, a $1,000 discount off each rate. Founding members will receive membership for two years, 2026 and 2027.
“Lifeguard: A Love Story” has a list price of $28. Locally, it is available for purchase at the Rockaway Ocean Club and The Gift Is Love.
