Bill > A6240

This bill, known as the "Open Water Lifeguard Act," officially designates open water lifeguards in New Jersey as first responders and emergency response providers, recognizing their critical public safety role. The legislation highlights that open water lifeguards routinely protect lives at great personal risk and are often cross-trained in emergency medical response, marine fire safety, law enforcement support, and water rescue operations. The bill emphasizes that these lifeguards perform the four key duties of emergency response employees: responding to, treating, assisting, and transporting victims, while also protecting life, property, evidence, and the environment. By formally classifying open water lifeguards as first responders, the bill seeks to acknowledge the essential and potentially life-saving work these professionals perform. The legislation will take effect immediately upon enactment, and any person employed as an open water lifeguard in the state will now be officially recognized with this important professional designation.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A6240