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PC 1040

Para crear la “Ley de Capacitación de Servidores Públicos como guardavidas de Puerto Rico”, con el fin de adiestrar a todo el personal gubernamental dispuesto a certificarse como guardavidas o rescatistas acuáticos, establecer incentivos salariales, penalidades por incumplimiento con su responsabilidad adquirida, y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill establishes lifeguard/aquatic rescuer training for government employees with salary incentives and penalties for non-performance of rescue duties.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 1040

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1040 proposes creating a law to train Puerto Rico government employees as lifeguards and aquatic rescuers, with certification programs available to willing personnel. The bill establishes salary incentives for certified employees and penalties for those who fail to fulfill their lifeguard responsibilities once certified.

Why is this important

Water safety and drowning prevention are public health concerns in Puerto Rico, particularly given its extensive coastlines and tourism industry. By leveraging existing government workforce infrastructure, the bill aims to expand aquatic rescue capacity without creating entirely new positions, potentially improving emergency response at beaches and water facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget and salary incentives: The financial cost of training programs and permanent salary increases for certified employees is not specified, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability and which agencies bear these costs
  • Enforcement and accountability: The mechanism for penalties and how "failure to fulfill responsibilities" is defined remains unclear; unclear whether employees can be compelled to work beyond their regular positions or departments
  • Scope and mandatory participation: Ambiguity around whether participation is truly voluntary or if certain government employees face pressure to certify; unclear which agencies and positions would be affected

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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