For Immediate Release:
June 4, 2025

County Commissioners pass resolution supporting recognizing lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution supporting the recognition of lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers at their Regular Public Meeting on Thursday, May 22.

“Monmouth County boasts 27 miles of beautiful beaches and 26 miles of bayfront shores, and our beaches serve as a popular tourist destination for visitors from across the Country,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Our lifeguards are true lifesavers on those beaches. Open water lifeguards play a vital role in protecting countless lives from serious injury or death, often at great risk to their own safety. We are proud to pass this resolution in support of recognizing their service.”

“Many open water lifeguards are cross-trained in emergency medical response, marine fire safety, law enforcement, and water rescue craft operations,” said Commissioner Dominick “Nick” DiRocco. “Lifeguards perform the four defined duties of an emergency response employee: respond and attend to victims, treat victims, assist victims, and transport victims. Lifeguards not only protect life, but also property, evidence, and the environment, the four tenets which define a first responder. It is our honor to fully support that open water lifeguards qualify as first responders and emergency response providers, and thank them for their essential, lifesaving work.”

For more information about Monmouth County, go to visitmonmouth.com.