New York lifeguard’s $570,000 pension highlights systemic retirement abuse

Peter Stein, dubbed the “Boss of the Beach,” transitioned from a middle-school gym teacher to chief lifeguard while holding leadership positions in the United Federation of Teachers and a lifeguard supervisors’ union affiliated with District Council 37. He left his municipal role during a Department of Investigation inquiry into alleged mismanagement, retaliation, and failure to address sexual harassment, securing a $570,000 pension before departing.

Citywide pension payments total about $6.2 billion, including over $52.7 million in back pay, but the average full-career retiree received roughly $62,582 last year. Research from the Empire Center shows the number of retirees earning six figures has risen from around 1,600 in 2020 to 3,200 in 2025, while the pension pool grew 24 percent. Despite the growing disparity, leaders of the UFT, DC 27, and other municipal unions have offered no criticism or reform proposals, implying either tacit approval or participation in the system.