Not all beaches are treated the same! The 11 miles of NYC beaches in the Rockaway Peninsula is a perfect example of this. It doesn’t take much to notice the drastic differences on others beaches. Just look outside New York City. NYC is the only coastal city in the United State with lifeguards not certified under US Lifeguard Association.(USLA). Why you may ask. UNIONS! DC37 is the largest municipal union in the country.
This has had drastic impact on the publics safety on NYC beaches. In fact in the summer of 2009, there were more drownings on NYC beaches than any other city in the US.
Limited access on NYC beaches, especially in those areas with underserved minority communities, have had few open beaches and even fewer lifeguards. Ironically it is on these beaches where many of the local residents know very little about their shoreline , and can not swim. RWA has led efforts to correct this but only through education will this situation improve.
RWA has fought hard to require that all NYC schools show US American Red Cross watersafety videos before high school graduation. We have also advocated for more swim education programming for the public and after school for youth. And we endlessly fight to force the city to improve the management of all NYC beaches and on lifeguard training.
RWA is presently working with water safety professionals, lifeguards, schools and media specialists to create a water safety video that will be shown in all US schools. With todays modern technology there is no reason people should not be aware of the basic principles of water safety and eliminate the fear and misconceptions that have kept so many people from engaging in water related activities.
American Red Cross, US Army Corps of Engineers and NYC Department of Education all have videos on water safety. Take the time to watch them with your families online to learn more about rip currents, water safety and the rules to follow when on the beach.