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If you know anyone who might like this newsletter, send it to them. If this was sent to you by someone else, subscribe here — it's free!  Dear New Yorkers, New York City’s lifeguard shortage has extended to its leadership ranks — with miles of beaches lacking chiefs or lieutenants to patrol its most treacherous waters. On Rockaway Beach, where nearly a dozen people have drowned since 2020, six of nine lifeguard “shacks” are without chiefs, parks officials confirmed.  The 11 miles of Rockaway Beach, with its riptides and strong currents, are considered to be among the most dangerous in the five boroughs, lifeguards told THE CITY. And the lack of supervision could make a dangerous beach even more deadly, one longtime lifeguard said.  The shortage leaves most of those 11 miles along the Queens beachfront without supervisors to direct scheduling, dispatch lifeguards, and oversee rescue operations and ocean training.  Sources told THE CITY that promotions can be secretive. Beyond time on the beach or at the pool, it’s unclear what further qualifications are required for the supervisory jobs. There is no promotional exam.  The promotions, lifeguards said, are not made by the Parks Department, but instead by leaders of the powerful and controversial unions that represent lifeguards and lifeguard supervisors.  Read more here. In other news:   Rikers Is One Step Closer to a Federal Receivership Takeover Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams on Monday night said he would ask a judge to place the Department of Correction under a third-party authority, moving the troubled jail system one step closer to a takeover by a federal receiver. The receiver likely would have extraordinary powers and would not be obligated to honor collective bargaining agreements negotiated by unions representing jail officers and supervisors, according to legal experts involved in similar cases.  Mayor Eric Adams and the unions are vehemently opposed to the appointment of a receiver, saying the department has taken some steps in the right direction. But Williams noted a federal monitor in place since 2015 has been unable to reform the department despite eight reports detailing a long list of ordered policy changes.  “After eight years of trying every tool in the toolkit, we cannot wait any longer for substantial progress to materialize,” he said in a statement. — Reuven Blau   Discounted Atlantic Terminal Tickets to End The Atlantic Ticket is nearing the end of the line, MTA documents reveal. Introduced in 2018 as a pilot program, the Long Island Rail Road discount offers $5 one-way trips at all hours between Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn and nine LIRR stations in southeast Queens and Brooklyn, along with a $60 weekly option and a seven-day unlimited MetroCard. The discounted trips can be purchased only at participating stations. The MTA is instead introducing a peak-hours $7 City Ticket, in addition to keeping the $5 off-peak option. Unlike Atlantic Ticket, the City Ticket can be purchased through the MTA TrainTime app. — Jose Martinez Some other items of note: The city Correction Department has stopped sharing officer timesheet data with the jail oversight board — making it impossible to see how many officers are working double or triple shifts. A city Board of Correction member flagged the new policy during the board’s monthly meeting yesterday, urging Correction Commissioner Louis Molina to restore information access for the board. It’s not the first time the department has abruptly withheld information that it previously released — and it comes as the department faces intense scrutiny. This Saturday, Bed-Stuy residents will commemorate the loss of 441 Willoughby Avenue, a Chateauesque-style home built in the late 1800s, with a block party. For decades, the historic building was rented out for baby showers, community meetings, weddings and repasts. Kids in the neighborhood called it “the castle,” one resident recalled. But one year ago, developer Tomer Erlich demolished the building, planning to eventually build condominiums on the site. The loss has inspired residents to push for landmark status for other historic buildings in the neighborhood. For the latest local numbers on COVID-19 hospitalizations, positivity rates and more, check our coronavirus tracker.  Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Wednesday’s Weather Rating: 4/10. Same old, same old. Highs in the mid 80s, but dew points and humidity remain uncomfortable and scattered storms are possible throughout the day. We’re really paying for that nice weather in May, huh? The vibes are really struggling. Things To Do Here’s what’s going on around the city this week. Wednesday, July 19: Mayor Adams’ “Rise Up NYC” concert series — eight events, across the five boroughs — begins with live performances by Luciano, Ding Dong, Farmer Nappy, Pumpa, Edwin Yearwood, Bobbi Konders and Jabba and Shamah Levy at Brooklyn Wingate Park. 6-9 p.m. Free.  Friday, July 21: An outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red,” at Queensbridge Park. 8:15-9:55 p.m. Free. Friday, July 21: “The Chelsea Symphony feat. Lady Jess and Lucrecia Dalt,” a BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Concert. Arrive early for a conversation with Nabil Ayers, son of jazz-funk legend Roy Ayers, about music careers and finding family in unexpected places. 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. showtime. Free. THE KICKER: The Astor Place Cube is back, and it spins again. The iconic sculpture was removed in early May and taken to Connecticut for repairs; it made a stop at an art fair in the Hamptons on its way home. Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Wednesday. Love, THE CITY   P.S. If you liked something about today's newsletter, or didn't, let us know at zshah@thecity.nyc

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