Lifeguards First

FOX and USLA Partner to Recognize Open-Water Lifeguards with First Responder Status

Despite being the first line of defense in life-threatening ocean rescues, most open-water lifeguards in the U.S. are not considered First Responders and are not entitled to the benefits available to police officers, firefighters, and EMTs.

Inspired by the heroic lifeguard characters in the upcoming action-drama series Rescue: HI-Surf, premiering on FOX Sunday, September 22, the network and USLA are supporting a campaign aimed at recognizing open-water lifeguards for what they clearly are: First Responders.

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Rescue: HI-Surf follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle. The series stars Robbie Magasiva (Wentworth, Bad Behaviour), Arielle Kebbel (The Vampire Diaries, John Tucker Must Die), Adam Demos (Sex / Life, UnReal), Kekoa Kekumano (The White Lotus, Aquaman), Alex Aiono (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Doogie Kameāloha M.D) and Zoe Cipres (Roswell, New Mexico). In addition, Sea Shimooka (3 Body Problem, Arrow), Shawn Hatosy (Animal Kingdom) and Ian Anthony Dale (The Resident) will appear in recurring roles. Rescue: HI-Surf is co-produced by Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment Studios. Matt Kester created the series. Kester, John Wells and Daniele Nathanson are executive producers and co-showrunners. Erin Jontow (John Wells Productions) is also an executive producer. Wells directed the series’ first two episodes, and Kester and Nathanson are writers on the series with Kester writing the series premiere.

The United States Lifesaving Association is America’s association of beach lifeguards and open-water rescuers. Lifeguards are unique members of the public safety system as they stand watch and patrol for hours to prevent drowning and injury in the aquatic environment, and at any moment, may have to race into the ocean to rescue a swimmer in distress or provide emergency aid for a victim suffering from a medical crisis. This concurrent resolution recognizes lifeguards as members of a selfless and heroic fraternity, who like their fellow first responders, purposefully race into danger to save a life.

Concurrent Resolution 41 aims to formally acknowledge the vital role that open water lifeguards play in emergency response at the federal level. These professionals are already acknowledged under various U.S. laws for their essential services, which include responding to, treating, assisting, and transporting victims, often at great personal risk.

In 2021, two courageous lifeguards in New Jersey lost their lives in the line of duty, underscoring the risks involved and the urgent need for formal recognition and support. Open water lifeguards are often cross-trained in emergency medical response, marine fire safety, law enforcement, and water rescue operations, making their role indispensable in emergency management.