Sanders and CM Brooks-Powers Support Staggered Shifts for Lifeguards
After two reported drownings this summer, local officials and agencies are discussing what can be done better. “We know there are things that can be done to prevent drownings,” Senator James Sanders Jr. declared after the Rockaway Water Safety meeting he convened at the Rockaway Ocean Club on Monday afternoon, September 14. More than a dozen government agencies, civic associations and elected officials participated in the discussion on how to prevent drownings at Rockaway beaches. Sanders and Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers agree that staggered lifeguard shifts could go a long way.
As drownings continue summer after summer, New York is making long-term investments in new pools and swimming programs. After listening to the discussion, Sanders said the top three things that can be done to prevent drownings in 2027 are:
1) Better communication/coordination. When there are known “cut days” or end of year celebrations that will bring young crowds to the beach, the DOE should inform NYPD and Parks.
2) Pre-position ambulances. Cut response times by stationing an EMT van at the most problematic sites.
3) Provide lifeguard protection in the evening. Stagger lifeguard shifts (10 a.m.-6 p.m., 12-8 p.m.) to cut down on after-hours drownings.
On Tuesday, Senator Sanders and Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers agreed to jointly pursue the third idea by submitting a formal letter to the Mayor, the New York City Council, and the Lifeguards Union, requesting that lifeguard coverage at Rockaway Beach be extended to 8 p.m. through a staggered shift model. “This approach reflects the concerns raised during the recent water safety discussions and the shared goal of preventing avoidable drowning,” wrote Sanders’ Senior Deputy Chief of Staff, Lisa George. The representatives agree the time has come to advance this request to encourage broader discussion among relevant decision-makers.
During Monday’s meeting, the idea of staggered lifeguard shifts was promoted by Ed Lynch, executive vice president of the Belle Harbor Property Owners Association (BHPOA). “It was stated at the meeting that there were more than 200 successful water rescues this summer. While that number demonstrates the tremendous work our lifeguards do every day, we also know that several drownings have occurred after lifeguards left the beach at 6 p.m.” Sanders agreed that the city needs to provide protection during those early evening hours. “Brother Lynch made the most sense. It is not a new idea, but it is the most sensible idea.” The senator said he would ask for an explanation of why Parks cannot stagger lifeguard hours.
The group discussion suggested there may be barriers to creating staggered shifts. Lynch insisted, “If you cannot get it together, someone is going to die in 2027.”
During BHPOA’s general meeting in April, NYC Parks was asked about using a staggered shift model. Chief of Special Programs Bonnie Williams, who has overseen the lifeguard program for four years, said she had concerns about the number of hours the lifeguards can spend in the sun given staffing constraints. Williams said that during heat waves in 2025, Parks kept lifeguards in their shacks after 6 p.m. so they could be close by and respond to emergencies. It resulted in 26 after-hours rescues that year.
Another widely discussed idea is the installation of a public address warning system across the length of the Rockaway boardwalk. Advocates have promoted the system at Community Board 14, but the Senator challenged the idea. With a price tag of perhaps $3 million, Sanders wondered if there is a better use for the money. However, Sanders said, “They told me it is working in Atlantic City. I will go to Atlantic City.” He said he would take EMTs and lifeguards with him because they are the experts.
Sanders also stressed that planners need to consider the impacts of climate change. “This is not the day and age where winter ended here and summer started there,” Sanders said. “It is warmer longer, earlier. We need to adjust our expectations regarding seasons.” The senator acknowledged it could be costly to extend lifeguard coverage into early May or late September.
At the conclusion of the program, Rockaway Ocean Club co-founder Ursula Damani said erosion also affects beach safety by shortening beaches and creating rip currents. She asked the public to call on the Army Corps of Engineers to pursue sand replenishment and erosion prevention projects in Riis Park before next summer.
Invited and participating organizations included the offices of Councilmember Brooks-Powers, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, NYC Parks – Special Programs (lifeguards), NYC Department of Education – District 27, EMS Station 47, NYPD, Community Board 14, Swim Strong, Rockaway YMCA, Episcopal Health Services, BHPOA and the Black Surfers Association.
Sanders said, “You have to bring the leaders together. No one person has all of the answers. We’ve got to work this one together.
