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

IV 118TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 41 Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY 10, 2023 Mr. SMITH of New Jersey submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 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 en- forcement, and water rescue craft operations; Whereas lifeguards respond and attend to victims, treat vic- tims, assist victims, and transport victims, the 4 defined duties of a emergency response employee; VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:06 May 11, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HC41.IH HC41 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB 2 •HCON 41 IH Whereas lifeguards not only protect life, but also property, evidence, and the environment, the 4 tenets which define a first responder; Whereas United States law already recognizes open water lifeguards as first responders or emergency response pro- viders; Whereas many other countries recognize lifeguards as emer- gency responders, and grant them access to the programs to which first responders are entitled; and Whereas, during the COVID–19 emergency, open water life- guards ought to have been considered ‘‘essential workers’’ and given priority access to vaccinations: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 1 concurring), That Congress reaffirms that open water life- 2 guards qualify as first responders and emergency response 3 providers, and recognizes the essential, lifesaving work 4 performed by these brave individuals. 5 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:06 May 11, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HC41.IH HC41 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB