Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 27
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T08:08:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 27) aims to express congressional support for open water lifeguards, recognizing them as first responders and emergency response providers. It highlights their vital role in protecting lives and acknowledges the risks they face, while reaffirming their existing legal status.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of Lifeguards' Role: Affirms that open water lifeguards perform essential duties in preventing deaths and injuries in aquatic environments, often at personal risk.
- Training and Responsibilities: Notes that many lifeguards receive cross-training in areas like emergency medical response, marine fire safety, law enforcement, and water rescue operations. They handle victim response, treatment, assistance, and transport—defined duties of emergency response employees—and protect life, property, evidence, and the environment, aligning with first responder tenets.
- Historical and Comparative Context: References a 2021 incident in New Jersey where two lifeguards died on duty; states that U.S. law already classifies them as first responders; and mentions that many other countries grant lifeguards similar recognition and access to first responder benefits.
- COVID-19 Reference: Suggests that during the pandemic, lifeguards should have been deemed "essential workers" with priority for vaccinations.
- Resolution Clause: Congress reaffirms lifeguards' qualification as first responders and praises their lifesaving work.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding concurrent resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It simply reaffirms current U.S. legal recognition of open water lifeguards as first responders or emergency response providers, without enacting new policies or mandates.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May encourage agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard or local emergency services (under the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's oversight) to better integrate lifeguards into broader first responder frameworks, potentially improving coordination and resource allocation for water safety.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of lifeguards' contributions, which could lead to increased community support, funding for training, or safety initiatives at beaches and open water areas, indirectly benefiting public safety.
- On International Relations: Highlights alignment with international practices where lifeguards are treated as emergency responders, potentially fostering cooperation on global water safety standards, though the impact is likely minimal and symbolic.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Open Water Lifeguards and Organizations: Primary beneficiaries, gaining formal congressional endorsement that could enhance their professional status, access to benefits, and morale.
- Local and State Governments: Entities responsible for beaches, parks, and emergency services may see indirect pressure to provide better support or recognition.
- Federal Agencies: Such as the Department of Homeland Security or Transportation, which oversee related emergency response programs.
- Public and Visitors: Those who use open water recreation areas, as the resolution underscores lifeguards' role in protecting them.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a concurrent resolution, it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval (though Senate concurrence is needed). It reinforces existing statutes without altering them, avoiding any constitutional challenges related to separation of powers.
- Constitutional: Neutral impact; it aligns with Congress's expressive authority under Article I but imposes no enforceable obligations.
- Political: Serves as a bipartisan gesture (introduced by representatives from New Jersey and New York) to honor frontline workers, potentially building support for future legislation on emergency responder benefits. It could influence public policy debates on essential worker classifications, especially post-COVID, but remains symbolic rather than substantive.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-04-10: Submitted in House
- 2025-04-10: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers. — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (2 pages)