Bill > HR5063

This bill, called the "Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act," addresses staffing shortages for lifeguards at federal swimming areas and beaches managed by agencies like the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation. If the Secretary of the Interior determines there is a significant staffing shortage that could leave a designated swim location unmonitored during normal operating hours, the bill requires the Secretary to seek agreements with local government agencies to provide lifeguards. These local lifeguards would be responsible for ensuring visitor safety, providing rescue and first aid services, and fully staffing the swim location. The bill mandates that the federal government fully reimburse local government agencies for all reasonable costs associated with providing these lifeguard services, including retroactively amending existing agreements to ensure complete cost coverage. The bill specifically defines a "staffing shortage" as a situation that negatively impacts the ability to adequately staff a swim location with federal lifeguards, excluding temporary absences like annual or sick leave. The goal is to maintain safe swimming conditions and ensure continuous lifeguard coverage at federal beaches and swimming areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5063/all-info