Federal resolution seeks to designate open water lifeguards as first responders
A bipartisan resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives would officially recognize open-water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers. The resolution was introduced by Representative Christopher H. Smith of New Jersey and is co-sponsored by several members of Congress, including Long Island’s congressional delegation.
Open-water lifeguards regularly respond to dangerous emergencies. We rescue swimmers caught in rough surf and rip currents, provide emergency medical care using CPR and AEDs, respond to missing swimmers and boating accidents, and assist during natural disasters. We also work closely with police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel during emergency situations.
Supporters believe this designation would recognize the important lifesaving work that lifeguards perform every day. It could also improve access to certain federal programs and benefits, help recruit and keep qualified lifeguards, and possibly make lifeguards eligible for line-of-duty death and survivor benefits if future laws are approved.
Some of the benefits include:
-Health insurance for full-time employees, often with employer contributions.
-Retirement pensions or defined-benefit plans, especially for government employees.
-Overtime and premium pay, including holiday pay
-Workers’ compensation for injuries sustained on duty.
-Disability and death benefits for line-of-duty injuries or fatalities.
-Life insurance
-Paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
-Education benefits, such as tuition reimbursement or training opportunities.
-Mental health resources
-Tax advantages
According to News 12 Long Island, the resolution has received support from Long Island’s congressional delegation and leaders in the lifeguarding community, including supervisors at Jones Beach, who say open-water lifeguards perform many of the same emergency-response duties as other first responders.
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