This resolution expresses Congressional support for recognizing open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers due to their critical, life-saving work.
Christopher "Chris" Smith
Representative
NJ-4
This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that open water lifeguards should be formally recognized as first responders and emergency response providers. It highlights the critical, life-saving work they perform, often under dangerous conditions, aligning their duties with those of traditional emergency personnel. The bill advocates for federal recognition that matches the essential nature of their daily service.
Lifeguards Get Official Shout-Out: Congress Moves to Recognize Open Water Rescuers as First Responders
This concurrent resolution is Congress officially saying what many of us already knew: open water lifeguards—the folks working oceans, lakes, and rivers—are genuine first responders. It’s not a law that changes funding or creates new programs, but it’s a formal expression of support that carries weight, aiming to align federal recognition with the life-saving work these professionals perform every day.
The Friend Who Saves You From a Rip Tide
Think about what an open water lifeguard does. They aren't just sitting in a chair getting a tan; they are trained in emergency medical care, search and rescue, and often even marine fire suppression. The resolution specifically points out that lifeguards meet the four core duties of an emergency response employee: responding to victims, treating them, assisting them, and transporting them. This is the same playbook used by police, fire, and EMS. By formally recognizing this, Congress is acknowledging the critical, dangerous job they do, citing the tragic loss of two New Jersey lifeguards in 2021 as a sobering reminder of the risk.
Essential Status: The COVID-19 Lesson
One of the most practical takeaways from this resolution is its focus on essential worker status. The resolution asserts that during the COVID-19 emergency, open water lifeguards absolutely should have been considered essential workers and given priority access to resources like vaccines. This isn't just about looking backward; it’s about setting the record straight for the future. If another public health crisis hits, this recognition provides a strong federal argument that these professionals—who keep beaches, lakes, and rivers safe for millions of recreation-seeking families—must be prioritized for protection and support.
What Does 'Recognition' Actually Mean?
Because this is a concurrent resolution, it doesn't immediately unlock new federal funds or mandates. It’s a statement of intent and support. However, this formal recognition is a huge step for professional organizations representing lifeguards. It elevates their standing, potentially making it easier for them to advocate for access to federal training programs, grants, or benefits that are traditionally reserved for recognized first responders. For the average person, it means the people watching over your family at the beach are getting the official respect and acknowledgment that matches the intensity of their job—which is good news for public safety all around.