By Keith Sargeant | NJ.com
nj.com
TRENTON, N.J. — Open water lifeguards will now receive formal recognition as first responders under a New Jersey Senate resolution honoring the critical role they play in protecting residents and visitors along the state’s beaches and waterways.
The measure (SR72), which passed in a unanimous New Jersey state Senate voice vote on June 30 , recognizes open water lifeguards as both first responders and emergency response providers, acknowledging the dangers they face while rescuing swimmers, responding to medical emergencies and safeguarding the public. The designation also allows approximately 3,000 lifeguards who patrol New Jersey’s 123 miles of coastline to access state programs and benefits available to other emergency responders.
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Those benefits include priority access to emergency responder insurance coverage, eligibility for line-of-duty death benefits for surviving family members and access to vaccinations during future communicable disease outbreaks.
Supporters say the resolution reflects the lifesaving work lifeguards perform.
“Every day, lifeguards stand ready to put themselves in harm’s way to protect others,” said Sen. Vin Gopal, the prime sponsor of the bill that was introduced in February. “They are often the first to respond in emergencies, making split-second decisions that save lives and keep our beaches and waterways safe. Their dedication, professionalism and selfless service deserve to be recognized.”
Gopal said many open water lifeguards receive specialized training in emergency medical care, marine firefighting, law enforcement support and rescue watercraft operations, qualifications that closely mirror those of other emergency response professionals.
“As families head to the shore this summer, I’m grateful for the lifeguards who work tirelessly to keep everyone safe,” Gopal said. “This resolution is a meaningful step toward giving these everyday heroes the recognition they have long earned.”
The resolution also honors two New Jersey lifeguards who died in the line of duty in 2021, underscoring the risks associated with the profession.
On Aug. 19, 2021, Norman Inferrera , a 16-year-old from Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, was helping keep swimmers close to shore when his lifeguard patrol boat overturned in rough surf in Cape May . A first-year lifeguard, Inferrera was knocked unconscious when he hit his head on the boat, his family said. He died two days later at Cooper University Medical Center in Camden.
Then on Aug. 30, 2021, Keith Pinto, a 19-year-old South Seaside Park beach lifeguard, was struck by lightning while working at the 21st Avenue Beach. Pinto, a 2020 Toms River High School North graduate who was attending Ocean County College, died from his injuries.
According to Mat Giachetti , founder of Howell -based LifeForce USA , a training center affiliated with the American Heart Association , American Health & Safety Institute , National Safety Council and the American Red Cross , lifeguards already perform the core duties of emergency responders.
“We respond to emergencies, treat injured victims, provide emergency assistance and transport people to safety,” Giachetti said. “It’s funny because some of the people I told this week that the resolution was finally passed, their reaction was, ‘What do you mean you’re not a first responder?’ They found it hard to believe.’'
Giachetti worked with officials from the United States Lifesaving Association to help draft the proposal. He previously collaborated with U.S. Rep. Chris Smith on a congressional resolution in 2023 that sought federal recognition of open water lifeguards as emergency first responders. The legislation is still active in Congress and Giachetti is hopeful that it will go up for a vote later this month.
“Ultimately, this is going to help with our lifeguard shortage,” Giachetti said. “We see it every summer, and it really hits home in mid-August when teachers go back to the classroom and college students return to school. That’s when it’s a struggle to have enough guards to support our Jersey Shore beaches.”
The new designation will extend additional workplace protections to lifeguards. Earlier this year, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act into law, providing employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with work-related PTSD under certain conditions. The law applies to firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, dispatchers and law enforcement officers.
“We are now recognized as first responders, so we will be included in that,” Giachetti said.
Should “first responder” be reserved for firefighters, EMS and law enforcement, or should it also include professionals like lifeguards, dispatchers and others who respond to emergencies? Where do you draw the line and why?
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