Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1188
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-20: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-03T08:06:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1188) expresses Congress's support for open water lifeguards, affirming their role as first responders (people who respond first to emergencies) and emergency response providers, and recognizes their lifesaving work.
Key Provisions
- Preamble ("Whereas" clauses): Highlights the vital role of lifeguards in protecting lives at personal risk, citing examples like two New Jersey lifeguards who died in 2021.
- Notes lifeguards' cross-training in areas like emergency medical response, fire safety, law enforcement, and water rescue.
- States that lifeguards perform the four core duties of emergency responders: responding to, treating, assisting, and transporting victims.
- Emphasizes their protection of life, property, evidence, and the environment—key traits of first responders.
- Points out international recognition of lifeguards as emergency responders with access to related benefits.
- References their status as "essential workers" during COVID-19, deserving priority for vaccinations.
- Resolved clause: Congress reaffirms lifeguards as first responders and praises their bravery.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution (a formal statement of opinion, not enforceable law), so it does not amend statutes or create new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and morale-boosting: Raises public and official awareness of lifeguards' risks and contributions, potentially encouraging better support or resources.
- Indirect policy influence: Could prompt federal, state, or local governments to grant lifeguards benefits like those for other first responders (e.g., training funds, vaccinations, or worker protections).
- No direct effects on citizens, agencies, or international relations, but may foster collaboration with emergency services.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Open water lifeguards: Primary beneficiaries through formal recognition.
- Lifeguard organizations and employers (e.g., beaches, parks): Gain legitimacy for advocacy.
- Local and state governments: May face pressure to align policies.
- Federal agencies (e.g., Transportation and Infrastructure Committee): Involved in referral and oversight.
- Emergency response community: Broader inclusion of lifeguards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces interpretive arguments for lifeguards' inclusion in first responder definitions under existing laws (e.g., for benefits), but lacks binding force.
- Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are routine congressional expressions under Article I.
- Political: Bipartisan potential (introduced by Mr. Smith of New Jersey); signals support for public safety workers, possibly aiding future legislation on emergency responder benefits. Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for review.
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 (12)
Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-20: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-04-20: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers. — issued 2026-04-20 — PDF (2 pages)