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

Recognize open water lifeguards as first responders. This concurrent resolution would reaffirm that open water lifeguards qualify as first responders and emergency response providers because they respond to, treat, and transport victims while protecting life, property, evidence, and the environment. It highlights that lifeguards work at significant personal risk, notes two New Jersey lifeguards died in 2021, and says many lifeguards are cross trained in emergency medical response, fire safety, law enforcement, and water rescue craft operations. The resolution also argues lifeguards should have priority access to vaccines during public health emergencies and points to international practices that give lifeguards access to first responder programs.