Bill
SR 142
Designates open-water lifeguards as first responders in a symbolic Senate resolution, boosting recognition and potential future interagency cooperation without creating new rights.
Title (as provided): Recognizes open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency services providers.
Introduced: February 21, 2025
Classification: Senate resolution (non‑binding)
Subject: Emergency services (EMER SVCS)
Note on source material
- The document supplied appears to include multiple, unrelated texts all labeled “SR 142” from different jurisdictions:
- A Georgia Senate resolution commending Megan Turner as the Department of Community Supervision’s 2024 Employee of the Year.
- An Illinois Senate resolution mourning the passing of Donald W. “Don” Irish.
- A Hawaii Senate resolution requesting insurers to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices.
- Because those texts do not match the stated title (“Recognizes open water lifeguards as first responders…”), no full legislative text specifically designating open‑water lifeguards as first responders was included. The legislative actions listed span February–June 2025 and show readings, committee referrals, and adoptions, but appear to relate to multiple different resolutions.
What the title indicates (purpose and intent)
- The title suggests the resolution’s main purpose is to formally recognize open‑water lifeguards (e.g., ocean, lake, river lifeguards) as first responders and as emergency services providers. As a resolution, it is typically symbolic or declaratory rather than creating binding statutory changes, unless it also directs agencies to act.
Typical key provisions a resolution of this kind would contain
- Formal recognition and commendation language acknowledging the lifesaving role and training of open‑water lifeguards.
- A declaration that open‑water lifeguards are “first responders” / part of the emergency services community for purposes of public recognition, coordination, and morale.
- Requests or encouragements for state/local agencies to include open‑water lifeguards in emergency planning, training, communications, and mutual aid protocols.
- Possible requests that relevant agencies (departments of public safety, emergency management, public health, labor) consider policy or administrative changes—e.g., access to certain benefits, training programs, or inclusion in first responder data systems.
- Direction to the Secretary of the Senate to provide copies to named persons or agencies (typical for ceremonial resolutions).
Who would be affected
- Primary: open‑water lifeguards employed by municipalities, counties, state parks, beach management entities, universities, private beach operators, and volunteer rescue organizations.
- Secondary: emergency management agencies, EMS, public safety departments, municipalities that coordinate beach/water safety, and insurance/benefit administrators if follow‑on administrative actions are taken.
Potential impact
- Immediate impact would be symbolic recognition, which can help with recruitment, professional status, and interagency cooperation.
- Practical impacts would depend on subsequent administrative or legislative follow‑up (e.g., formal inclusion in first responder trainings, access to particular benefits, changes to incident command protocols). As a resolution alone, it is unlikely to create new enforceable rights or funding.
Recommendation / next steps
- Confirm and provide the correct full text and jurisdiction for the SR 142 that addresses open‑water lifeguards. If the goal is policy change (benefits, certification, statutory status), a separate bill (statute) or administrative directives will be needed beyond a ceremonial resolution.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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