[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 182 (Friday, November 3, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMENDING VIRGINIA BEACH LIFEGUARDS

  (Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the 
Virginia Beach lifeguards on a successful summer season and to thank 
them for keeping our beaches in Hampton Roads safe.
  Lifeguards are an essential part of any community, but back home in 
Virginia's Second District, the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service has 
protected our oceanfront since 1930. Their mission of promoting beach 
safety protects not only the citizens of Virginia Beach but the 
millions of visitors we have each year.
  Lifeguarding is one of the top choices for people searching for 
summer jobs, including my two sons. While it is a rewarding job, it is 
also a challenging one that demands personal responsibility.
  Beaches and oceans are dynamic natural environments. Crowd 
conditions, currents, waves, sharks, and other weather conditions can 
rapidly change, putting swimmers in grave danger.
  The average number of people saved each summer is between 400 to 600, 
but during this year's summer season, which extended from May 13 to 
September 17, the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service performed more than 
800 rescues on the beaches they patrol.

  On behalf of a grateful community, I thank our lifeguards for the 
level of skill they bring to this job and what they do for Virginia 
Beach and Hampton Roads. Congratulations to the Virginia Beach 
Lifesaving Service on a successful summer season.

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