Our Laner Shore doesn’t contain fist bumps, wild nights or anonymous notes, but trust that it’s just as important! Now, what are we actually referring to when we say Laner Shore? Well, over the past few months, we’ve had the privilege of staffing a special activation on beaches across the country. Let’s dive into it, shall we?
“Lifeguards First”
Did you know that Lifeguards are not legally recognized as First Responders? Wild! Despite the fact that open-water Lifeguards are the first line of defense at our beaches, they do not receive the same benefits that are available to EMT’s, police officers and firefighters. Even EMT’s who do have first-responder status lose those benefits if they step on the sand as a lifeguard. Open-water lifeguards put their lives on the line as they intervene in life-threatening situations. Resolution 41 addresses this issue. How? Its supporters are fighting for open-water lifeguards to be included in the already-existing language that protects other first responders. Legally, lifeguards are grossly undervalued. What used to be considered a fun, easy, summer highschool job, now requires many hours of training and health courses! Sadly, most are still paid minimum wage.
“Rescue: Hi-Surf”
What does Resolution 41 have to do with our Laners? WELL. In conjunction with the fall premiere of a new TV show, Rescue: Hi-Surf, the US Lifesaving Association teamed up with Fox Entertainment to raise awareness around this issue. And you guessed it, our Laners were there to help make it happen! We organized a stellar group for each activation location (Seaside Heights, NJ and Santa Monica, CA were two of them!); for our New Jersey beaches, Laners hopped in a rental van in Manhattan and drove to the site together! Our awesome Teams took the shores by storm, approaching passersby about the upcoming series premiere as well as this issue, informing them and asking for their support. iPads in hand, they were able to assist people in sending letters to their Congress representatives. Any event where we can help support a great cause and raise awareness is a win-win!
While summer may be over, you can still make a difference! Send a letter yourself! Click right here and make your voice heard. Your support can ensure that lifeguards receive the same recognition and benefits as their counterparts in police, fire, and EMS services.
Check out last week’s Laner of the Week!