Attachment B
HR 1188
IV
119TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION H. RES. 1188
Expressing support for the work of open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APRIL 20, 2026
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
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;
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2 •HRES 1188 IH
Whereas lifeguards not only protect life, but also property, evidence, and the environment, the 4 tenets which define a first responder;
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, That Congress reaffirms that open water 1
lifeguards qualify as first responders and emergency re-2 sponse providers, and recognizes the essential, lifesaving 3 work performed by these brave individuals. 4
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