Senator James Sanders Jr. Hosts Successful Stakeholders Meeting to Prevent Drownings on the Rockaway Peninsula

Queens, NY — Senator James Sanders Jr. hosted a highly productive Rockaway Water Safety Stakeholders Meeting on Thursday October 30, 2025, bringing together local elected officials, including Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Councilwoman Joann Ariola Member, civic leaders, agency representatives, safety advocates, and residents to address the ongoing issue of drownings on the Rockaway Peninsula. The collaborative session marked a crucial step toward implementing long-term, community-driven water safety solutions for both residents and visitors.

The meeting united a diverse range of participants, including representatives from the FDNY Marine Unit, NYPD Community Affairs, NYC Department of Education, NYC Parks Department, Swim Strong Foundation, Rising Tide, EMS, Aquatic Voyagers Scuba Club, Black Surfers Association, Water Safety Coalition, Black People Will Swim, and the Rockaway YMCA, Community Board 14, and others.

Senator Sanders convened the meeting emphasizing the need for unified efforts and innovative strategies to prevent further loss of life. Discussions centered on strategies to minimize drownings in the Rockaways. It was a spirited exchange, with multiple individuals sharing their insights. Suggestions ranged from extending lifeguard hours, increasing access to swimming lessons, improving public awareness, and exploring advanced rescue technologies such as drones equipped for emergency flotation deployment amongst others.

“The meeting demonstrated what true community collaboration looks like,” said Senator James Sanders Jr.
“The Rockaways have faced far too many tragedies in our waters. Together, we are turning concern into action without pointing fingers at each other. This exercise was designed to identify tangible solutions, securing commitments, and building a roadmap toward a safer, more informed, and better-protected community.”

Several attendees expressed gratitude for the Senator’s leadership in uniting the various agencies and organizations involved in this ongoing effort.

• Jacqueline Tansey, Bell Harbour property owner, said: “We’d like to express our gratitude to Senator Sanders for putting this very important meeting together. We look forward to collaborating in the future for the safety of residents and visitors to the Rockaways.”
• Lt. Sean Fitzgerald, FDNY Marine Unit, added: “It was great to meet and collaborate with the various city agencies and stakeholders that will work together to enhance water safety initiatives on the Rockaway Peninsula.”
• Dr. Mariya Korobkova, District 27 Superintendent’s Office, shared: “There are a lot of passionate stakeholders here who truly care about this issue. Everyone is focused on coming up with real solutions to make this area safer for locals and visitors alike.”

The meeting concluded with commitments to ongoing coordination between state and city agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups. Senator Sanders and other public officials that were in attendance, reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring that resources, training, and safety infrastructure are equitably supported & distributed across all neighborhoods of the Rockaways.

“This is just the beginning,” Senator Sanders emphasized.
“We will continue to meet, monitor progress, and hold all stakeholders accountable. Every life lost is one too many, and together, we will make sure our waters are safe for everyone.”

For more information or to join the Rockaway Water Safety initiative, please contact the Office of Senator James Sanders Jr. at (718) 523-3069 or email shill@nysenate.gov.