Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.

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.