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Mayors and Officials Testify on Lifeguard Shortages as Subcommittee Reviews HR 5063
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Summary
Witnesses including the mayor of Chincoteague described a lifeguard shortfall at Assateague Island this past summer and urged Congress to pass HR 5063 to clarify reimbursement and federal support for lifeguard coverage on federal beaches.
Representative Kiggins introduced HR 5063, the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act, saying recent hiring freezes left Assateague Island and other federal beaches without adequate lifeguard coverage. Mayor Denise Bowden of Chincoteague described contracting arrangements the town and county made to provide lifeguards, said the coverage lasted only 35 days this summer, and told the committee her town and county remain owed roughly $14,000 in reimbursement from the National Park Service.
Members pressed DOI’s witness and local officials on how DOI would implement reimbursement and whether the bill provides a reliable federal backstop for seasonal lifesaving staff. Witnesses and members emphasized the public‑safety and economic stakes: Assateague attracts more than 1 million visitors annually and local economies rely on timely, full‑season lifeguard coverage.
The hearing did not produce a markup; members asked for written follow‑up on reimbursement timing and procurement details so towns are not left to shoulder the cost of emergency staffing during hiring freezes.
Next steps: Committee staff will follow up with DOI and local governments to clarify reimbursement timelines and any statutory language needed to guarantee federal funding for temporary lifeguard contracts.
