The Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to address lifeguard shortages at federal beaches and swimming areas managed by agencies like the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation. When the federal government cannot adequately staff these locations with its own lifeguards during normal operating hours, the Secretary can enter into agreements with local government agencies to provide lifeguards instead. Importantly, the federal government must fully reimburse local agencies for all reasonable costs of providing these lifeguard services, and this requirement applies to any existing agreements that previously involved cost-sharing arrangements. The bill defines a staffing shortage as a situation that leaves a beach or swimming area unmonitored by federal lifeguards during operating hours, excluding temporary absences like vacation or sick leave. This legislation aims to ensure visitor safety at federal recreational areas by guaranteeing adequate lifeguard coverage, even if that means relying on local government employees.
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