Lifeguards to be recognized as first responders with police, ems and fire in new jersey

Lifeguards to be recognized as first responders with police, EMS and fire in New Jersey

Posted by
1 min read
July 7, 2026
A resolution introduced in the New Jersey Senate would formally recognize lifeguards as first responders and emergency service providers for their lifesaving work.

Trenton, NJ – A resolution introduced in the New Jersey Senate would formally recognize Lifeguards as first responders and emergency service providers, acknowledging the specialized training and lifesaving duties they perform along New Jersey’s beaches and waterways.

According to Senate Resolution No. 72, introduced by Sen. Vin Gopal, the measure recognizes that lifeguards routinely place themselves in dangerous situations while protecting the public from drowning and other water emergencies.

Resolution outlines emergency response role

According to the resolution, lifeguards protect countless people from death or serious injury each year while performing rescues under hazardous conditions. The measure notes that many lifeguards receive training in emergency medical response, marine fire safety, law enforcement support, and water rescue operations.

The resolution also states that lifeguards respond to victims, provide emergency care, assist those in distress, and transport victims when necessary, responsibilities it says closely mirror those of First Responders.

It further notes that two lifeguards in New Jersey died in the line of duty during 2021, underscoring the risks associated with the profession.

Formal recognition without changing state law

According to the legislative statement accompanying the resolution, many countries already recognize lifeguards as emergency responders and provide access to programs available to other first responders.

If adopted, the resolution would formally recognize lifeguards as first responders and emergency service providers in New Jersey. Copies of the resolution would also be sent to NJ Lifeguard and the American Lifeguard Association.

Why it matters

The measure is a symbolic resolution and would not create new benefits or change state law. Instead, it would represent an official acknowledgment by the New Jersey Senate of the critical public safety role lifeguards play in protecting residents and visitors at beaches and other open water locations.


Key Points

  • A resolution in the New Jersey Senate would formally recognize lifeguards as first responders.
  • According to the resolution, lifeguards perform emergency response duties and receive specialized public safety training.
  • The measure is symbolic and would not create new legal rights or benefits.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Don't Miss

Exit mobile version