Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rockaway Lifeguard's 'Death Party' Revelations
Rockaway Lifeguard's 'Death Party' Revelations
24 Jun
Summary
- Lifeguards held 'death parties' for drowned beachgoers.
- Author fought corruption and mismanagement for decades.
- A boy's death fueled a crusade for beach safety reforms.
Rockaway Beach lifeguards once held 'death parties' for drowned swimmers, a grim tradition Janet Fash recounts in her memoir. The book details her experiences as one of New York City's chief lifeguards from 1988 through 2025.
Fash's journey began as a coming-of-age story, highlighting the camaraderie and challenges of lifeguarding, including pervasive misogyny. She recounts a pivotal moment after a boy was swept out to sea, which ignited her resolve to implement safety measures.
The narrative then shifts to Fash's crusade against union president Peter Stein, whom she accuses of amassing control and perpetuating corruption. Investigations found chronic lifeguard shortages, contributing to preventable drownings, which Fash fought to reform with community support.
Her fight aimed to prevent teenage lifeguards from facing the guilt of perceived culpability in future tragedies. The battle for improved safety measures and accountability within the lifeguard system continues.
