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Bill > A1638
NJ A1638
NJ A1638Designates open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill designates open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers. Under the bill, any person who is employed as an open water lifeguard in this State is to be referred to as a first responder and an emergency response provider. Open water lifeguards perform an essential public safety function by protecting countless lives from death or serious injury, and they routinely do so at great risk to their own lives. It is the intent of the sponsor to recognize the essential, lifesaving work performed by open water lifeguards.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Open Water Lifeguard Act," officially designates any person employed as an open water lifeguard in New Jersey as a "first responder" and an "emergency response provider." This designation acknowledges the critical public safety role these lifeguards play in saving lives and preventing serious injuries, often at significant personal risk. The bill highlights that open water lifeguards perform duties consistent with emergency response employees, such as responding to, treating, assisting, and transporting victims, and that they protect life, property, evidence, and the environment, which are the defining characteristics of a first responder. This legislative action aligns with existing federal law that permits open water lifeguards to be recognized as such, aiming to formally acknowledge their essential, life-saving work.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1638 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1638_I1.HTM |
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