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Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.
Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.
Summary
This concurrent resolution reaffirms that open water lifeguards qualify as first responders and emergency response providers, and recognizes their essential work protecting public safety. The resolution acknowledges that lifeguards perform duties defined by emergency response roles, including responding to victims, providing medical assistance, and transporting those in need, while also protecting property, evidence, and the environment. It notes that many lifeguards receive cross-training in emergency medical response, marine fire safety, law enforcement, and water rescue operations, and emphasizes the significant risks these individuals face in performing their duties.
AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill text — neutral, and may be imperfect. See the full text below for the exact wording.
Sponsor (1)
13 cosponsors
- Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16] (R-FL)
- Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2] (R-NY)
- Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4] (D-NY)
- Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5] (D-NJ)
- Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2] (R-VA)
- Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1] (R-NY)
- Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49] (D-CA)
- Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6] (D-NJ)
- Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7] (R-NC)
- Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32] (D-CA)
- Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3] (D-NY)
- Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2] (R-NJ)
- Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52] (D-CA)
Money behind the sponsor
Top reported contributors to Christopher H. Smith’s campaign committee (2024 cycle) — who funds the bill’s sponsor, not a claim about this bill. Data from FEC.
- WINDMILL HEALTH PRODUCTS $6,600
- ZAIS GROUP, LLC $6,600
- BLUFF POINT ASSOCIATES $6,600
- HILL & COMPANY $6,600
- SAKER SHOP RITE $6,600
Organizations whose employees gave the most — itemized individual contributions grouped by the donor’s reported employer (FEC Schedule A). Full finance for Christopher H. Smith → · Outside spending →
Actions (2)
- Apr 10, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. · house
- Apr 10, 2025 Submitted in House
Similar bills (6)
Bills with similar text or summary — includes reintroductions across Congresses. Ranked by semantic similarity of the bill text (computed locally); a neutral discovery aid, not a claim the bills are duplicates.
Text versions (1)
Bills are re-published as they move (Introduced → Reported → Engrossed → Enrolled …). Each stage below is a separate text; pick two to see what changed. Data from Congress.gov.
Full text
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 10, 2025
Mr. Smith of New Jersey (for himself, Mr. Van Drew, and Mr. Suozzi) 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 enforcement, and water rescue craft operations; Whereas lifeguards respond and attend to victims, treat victims, assist victims, and transport victims, the 4 defined duties of a emergency response employee; 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 providers; Whereas many other countries recognize lifeguards as emergency responders, and grant them access to the programs to which first responders are entitled; and Whereas, during the COVID-19 emergency, open water lifeguards 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 concurring), That Congress reaffirms that open water lifeguards qualify as first responders and emergency response providers, and recognizes the essential, lifesaving work performed by these brave individuals. <all>
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