Lifeguard duty in New York City is awash in mismanagement and dysfunction that has floated just under the surface for decades, according to a new investigation by a city watchdog.
The problems start with the Department of Parks and Recreation, which does not exercise sufficient oversight of its Lifeguard Division, according to a 20-page report issued Monday by the Department of Investigation. The longstanding issues are rooted in a poor management structure and a now-expired collective bargaining agreement between the Big Apple and the lifeguard union, according to the report.
At the top of the list of problems is shoddy disciplinary system that lacks accountability and transparency, the report stated.
“If there is one take away from DOI’s investigation it is this: reform must be implemented within the Lifeguard Division to strengthen and improve its management and operations and to ensure that there is accountability and fairness guiding the employee disciplinary process,” acting DOI Commissioner Daniel Cort said.
Some of the problems have lasted for decades, persisting despite previous DOI recommendations for reform.
The report attributes some of the problems to Peter Stein, the president of an influential lifeguard union, who has held his post for more than 40 years. He has faced allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Witnesses told DOI he was resistant to change.
Stein never sat for formal questioning with DOI, the report states.
“He wanted to know why coverage of the lifeguards does not focus on their protection of people from drowning at City beaches and pools. This report provides an answer — the structure history, and culture of the Lifeguard Division reveals systemic dysfunction in its management and accountability,” the report read, describing a brief conversation with Stein.
A New York Magazine investigation last year described Stein’s role atop the “lifeguard mafia.”
Some Parks Department management told DOI the Lifeguard Division was a “black box” with unclear personnel and disciplinary practices.
“The current investigation reveals the continued need to address longstanding, persistent issues with the Lifeguard Division,” the report states.
“Unclear lines of authority, ineffective communication, and failed leadership, among other issues, further undermines the effectiveness of the disciplinary process for lifeguards.”
The 16-month investigation began long before a series of summer setbacks, including the near drowning of a 12-year-old girl at Red Hook Pool.
Relatives of Brianna Otero said in August that lifeguards were slow to respond after she lost consciousness and was floating in the water for nearly five minutes.
“I’m looking around, and I see lifeguards moving but they’re not moving toward her,” her uncle, Angel Ortiz, said at the time. “So I had to run.”
Recommendations to right the ship include a contract to improve the management structure and personnel practices, improving the chain of command, along with anticorruption, ethics, and sexual harassment training.
