Rep. Kiggins introduced HR 5063, the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act, saying the bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to work with local governments to ensure lifeguard coverage on federal beaches and to cover the full cost of staffing when the National Park Service is required to provide those services.

Mayor Denise Bowden of Chincoteague described the 2025 season when Assateague Island lacked lifeguard coverage for much of summer after a hiring freeze. The town and county contracted private lifeguard services late in the season, obtaining roughly 35 days of coverage; Bowden estimated the town is owed approximately $14,000 for costs not yet reimbursed.

Rep. Neguse and other members questioned DOI witnesses about whether temporary seasonal hires were formally exempt from hiring freezes and whether reimbursement processes are reliable; the Department provided written testimony and said it would work with local partners while clarifying procedural constraints.

No vote occurred; members requested DOI follow up in writing on reimbursement status and exemption authority for seasonal employees.