This resolution expresses congressional support for recognizing open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers. The measure acknowledges that lifeguards perform critical public safety work, including water rescue operations, emergency medical response, and marine safety, while facing significant personal risk. The resolution highlights that lifeguards meet the operational definitions of first responders by protecting lives, property, evidence, and the environment, and that many are trained in multiple emergency disciplines including emergency medical response and water rescue craft operations. The measure also references two New Jersey lifeguards who died in the line of duty in 2021 and notes that other countries already recognize lifeguards as emergency responders with corresponding program access and benefits. While this is a symbolic resolution with no direct funding or implementation requirements, it signals congressional intent to formally recognize lifeguards' first responder status, which could support future policy decisions regarding benefits, training access, and emergency preparedness programs for these workers.
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