Recognize open water lifeguards as official first responders and emergency service providers.
One policy goal, tracked across every bill that has carried it.
What’s happening with this effort?
The effort to recognize open water lifeguards as first responders relies on H.Res. 1188, which has remained in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since April 19, 2026. The committee members must act next to schedule a hearing or vote, but the binding constraint is that most bills never receive a committee vote. Historically, committee inaction is the most common way for legislation to end without reaching the floor.
Updated July 9, 2026 · Generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.
Where it stands
Legislative Progress
No action since April 2025
How we got here
Every bill that has carried this goal, oldest first.
Died with Congress · Jan 3, 2025
Died when the 118th Congress ended without final passage. Bills must be reintroduced under a new number to be revived.
Reintroduced · Jan 3, 2025
Reintroduced from H.Con.Res. 41 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
H.Con.Res. 41 (118th) →
Vehicles
Who’s behind it
Christopher Smith (R-NJ)Wrote and sponsored the current bill.
