Bill Text: NJ SR72 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Recognizes open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency services providers.

Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2026-07-06 - Filed with Secretary of State [SR72 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2026-SR72-Amended.html

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[First Reprint]

SENATE RESOLUTION No. 72

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 5, 2026

 

 

Sponsored by:

Senator  VIN GOPAL

District 11 (Monmouth)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Recognizes open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency services providers.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As reported by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee on June 11, 2026, with amendments.

  

A Senate Resolution recognizing the work of open water lifeguards.

 

Whereas, Open water lifeguards perform an essential function of protecting countless individuals from death or serious injury every year; and

Whereas, These lifeguards do so at great risk to their own lives; and

Whereas, In 2021, two lifeguards in the State of New Jersey lost their lives in performance of their duties; and

Whereas, Many open water lifeguards are cross-trained in emergency medical response, marine fire safety, law enforcement, and water rescue craft operations; and

Whereas, Lifeguards respond and attend to victims, treat victims, assist victims, and transport victims, the four defined duties of an emergency response employee; and

Whereas, Lifeguards not only protect life, but also property, evidence, and the environment, the four tenants which define a first responder; and

Whereas, Many other countries recognize lifeguards as emergency responders, and grant them access to the programs to which first responders are entitled; and

Whereas, Lifeguards receive comparable training as first responders and perform crucial work to protect the lives of individuals from death or serious injury and it is the appropriate time for the Senate to recognize their dedication and work and formally recognize open water lifeguards as first responders in New Jersey; now, therefore,

 

     Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:

 

    1.     The Senate of the State of New Jersey recognizes open water lifeguards qualify as first responder and emergency response providers and recognizes the essential lifesaving work performed by these brave individuals.

 

     2.    Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to ¹[NJ Lifeguard and the American Lifeguard Association] the United States Lifesaving Association¹.