Bill Summary
The concurrent resolution expresses support for open water lifeguards, recognizing their critical role as first responders and emergency response providers. It highlights that lifeguards perform essential duties to protect lives from drowning and serious injuries, often at great personal risk. The resolution notes the tragic loss of two lifeguards in New Jersey in 2021 while on duty and emphasizes their extensive training in emergency medical response, marine fire safety, and water rescue operations.
The resolution outlines that lifeguards not only save lives but also protect property and the environment, aligning their responsibilities with those of first responders. It acknowledges that U.S. law already recognizes lifeguards in this capacity and points out that many other countries provide lifeguards with similar recognition and benefits. Additionally, it calls for lifeguards to have been designated as "essential workers" during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure they received priority access to vaccinations. The resolution ultimately reaffirms the vital, lifesaving work of open water lifeguards and their status as first responders.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the legislation regarding open water lifeguards as first responders could affect people:
1. **Enhanced Recognition and Support**: By formally recognizing open water lifeguards as first responders, this legislation could lead to increased public awareness and appreciation for their critical role in ensuring safety at beaches and pools. This recognition may foster community support, potentially resulting in increased funding for lifeguard training, equipment, and facilities, which ultimately enhances public safety during recreational activities.
2. **Access to Resources and Training**: The resolution might prompt federal and state governments to provide lifeguards with access to essential resources and training programs that are typically available to first responders. This could include advanced lifesaving training, mental health support, and access to emergency medical supplies, which would empower lifeguards to perform their duties more effectively and safely, ultimately reducing the risk of injury or death for both lifeguards and the public.
3. **Policy Changes Regarding Safety and Health**: The acknowledgment of lifeguards as essential workers might influence policies related to their health and safety, particularly in emergency situations like pandemics. For instance, lifeguards may receive priority access to vaccinations and health resources during public health crises, ensuring that they can continue to serve safely while protecting themselves and the communities they serve. This could lead to a more robust emergency response framework that includes lifeguards in disaster planning and public health initiatives.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 27 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 27
Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first
responders and emergency response providers.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 10, 2025
Mr. Smith of New Jersey (for himself, Mr. Van Drew, and Mr. Suozzi)
submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first
responders and emergency response providers.
Whereas open water lifeguards perform an essential function of protecting
countless lives from death or serious injury;
Whereas these lifeguards do so at great risk to their own lives;
Whereas, in 2021, two lifeguards in the State of New Jersey lost their lives
while performing their duty;
Whereas many open water lifeguards are cross-trained in emergency medical
response, marine fire safety, law enforcement, and water rescue craft
operations;
Whereas lifeguards respond and attend to victims, treat victims, assist victims,
and transport victims, the 4 defined duties of a emergency response
employee;
Whereas lifeguards not only protect life, but also property, evidence, and the
environment, the 4 tenets which define a first responder;
Whereas United States law already recognizes open water lifeguards as first
responders or emergency response providers;
Whereas many other countries recognize lifeguards as emergency responders, and
grant them access to the programs to which first responders are
entitled; and
Whereas, during the COVID-19 emergency, open water lifeguards ought to have been
considered ``essential workers'' and given priority access to
vaccinations: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That Congress reaffirms that open water lifeguards qualify as first
responders and emergency response providers, and recognizes the
essential, lifesaving work performed by these brave individuals.
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