Recognize impact of lifeguard shortage; encourage lifeguarding

As Introduced

136th
General Assembly

Regular
Session
H. C. R. No. 17

2025-2026

Representatives
McNally, Rogers

Cosponsors:
Representatives Piccolantonio, Troy, White, E., Williams, Thomas, D.,
Brennan, Sims, Jarrells, Russo

A
c o n c u r r e n t R E S O L U T I O N

To
recognize the impact of the lifeguard shortage in Ohio and encourage
individuals to consider a career as a lifeguard.

BE
IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO (THE
SENATE CONCURRING):

WHEREAS,
Lifeguards working at beaches, swimming pools, and water parks are
responsible for preventing and responding to emergencies and
protecting countless individuals from death or serious injury; and

WHEREAS,
To become a lifeguard, an individual must undergo training on water
and land rescue techniques in a variety of environments and how to
deliver first aid and critical care to injured individuals; and

WHEREAS,
Closures of beaches, pools, and water parks and work restrictions put
in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented individuals
from receiving the necessary training to become a lifeguard,
resulting in a shortage of available lifeguards across the United
States; and

WHEREAS,
One-third of the 309,000 public pools in the United States are being
forced to close or reduce their hours of operations due to a lack of
available lifeguards to staff the pools; and

WHEREAS,
The shortage of lifeguards at public pools has resulted in reduced
class offerings and safety training courses, including community
swimming lessons and water safety and lifeguard recertification; and

WHEREAS,
Many cities are unable to hire enough staff to provide lifeguards for
municipal beaches, leaving swimmers and other beach-goers without
access to trained staff in the event of an emergency; and

WHEREAS,
Cities in Ohio have been increasing the wages paid to attract
individuals to fill open lifeguard positions, allowing a lifeguard in
Ohio to earn an average wage of $18 per hour, which is projected to
increase 12% over the next five years; and

WHEREAS,
Numerous other benefits are available to individuals who choose to
seek a career as a lifeguard, including paid training, retention
bonuses, and flexible scheduling; now therefore be it

RESOLVED,
That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of
Ohio, in adopting this resolution, recognize the impact of the
lifeguard shortage in Ohio and encourage individuals to consider a
career as a lifeguard; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly
authenticated copies of this resolution to the Governor of Ohio and
the news media of Ohio.