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

Recognizing open water lifeguards as first responders. This resolution would reaffirm that open water lifeguards qualify as first responders and emergency response providers and would recognize their essential lifesaving work. It notes that many lifeguards are cross-trained in emergency medical response, marine fire safety, law enforcement and water rescue craft operations. It says their duties of responding to, attending to, treating, assisting and transporting victims match emergency response roles and cites two New Jersey lifeguards who died in 2021. The resolution also notes that other countries give lifeguards access to first responder programs and that lifeguards should have received COVID-19 vaccine priority as essential workers.