Being a Lifeguard isn’t a job. It’s a way of life. A vocation in the truest sense.
Director’s Statement
“The story is the people — I was inspired by them. Big John’s a force of nature. It’s a great story about extraordinary people that I hope will help further the cause of good in the world.
WATERPROOF has been quite a journey. Mae Mougin, a resident of the community initiated and produced the project. It was her passion and the community’s selfless commitment to keeping people safe that convinced me to take on the project. This film has taught me to look at the ocean from a whole new perspective. It’s gratifying to know that the impact of this film is tangible and helping to save lives.”
- Ross Kauffman
About
“The film is a model for other communities to emulate. The camaraderie and community spirit were contagious and inspirational to me, as they will be to others who have the opportunity to see this film. WATERPROOF will definitely stand out as a document of a time for which we all long. That this is a reality in East Hampton was a welcomed surprise and an even stronger assurance of values and humility that comes with dedication to others.
WATERPROOF made the case for community service with a perfect pace and effective insights. Bravo to all who made this happen. That it took 10 years to complete this cinematic effort was worth the wait.”
- Steve Miller, Artist/East Hampton Star
Immersive and cinematic, WATERPROOF is the story of one community’s crusade to create a safe swimming environment in East Hampton, New York. Led by the incomparable Big John and Johnny Jr., these lifeguards give the best of themselves to train, compete, and ultimately ensure the safety of locals and tourists alike at the eastern end of Long Island.
“The whole film is about saving lives and about what it takes in the way of community bonding to achieve that.” - Mae Mougin
It took Mae Mougin 10 years to give birth to WATERPROOF, a 40-minute lifeguard-centered documentary film that celebrates the core of East Hampton, a community that she and the film’s Academy Award-winning director, Ross Kauffman, find to be exemplary in the way it pulls together.
A FILM ABOUT THE BEAUTY OF COMMUNITY
THIS IS THE STORY OF ONE TOWN’S MISSION TO WATERPROOF THEIR COMMUNITY
EAST HAMPTON: A town known worldwide for pristine beaches and seasonal transience.
WATERPROOF is evidence of the strength of character and enduring community that defies a misconception of entitlement, placing the safety of visitors and locals alike above all else.
This film would not have been possible without the generous support of the following: