House committee hears "Bryce Brooks Hero Act" to pilot lifeguard staffing and training
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Summary
Representative Barry introduced HB1217 to require trained lifeguards during high-occupancy periods and to create a TCSG lifeguard workforce pilot; family members of Bryce Brooks testified about his death after rescuing children, and members asked for clearer definitions and cost estimates.
Representative Barry Mitchell introduced House Bill 1217, the "Bryce Brooks Hero Act," at a committee hearing on Feb. 13, proposing a pilot lifeguard program administered by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and a uniform staffing expectation for public beaches during periods of high occupancy.
Barry said the measure responds to an April 2023 incident in which his constituent Bryce Brooks rescued four children from a rip current and died while attempting to return to shore. "We can honor Bryce's memory not only in words, but in policy by making sure that no more heroes are lost simply because help was not there in time," Barry said. He described studies showing lifeguard presence can reduce drowning risk substantially and summarized the bill's staffing standard: trained lifeguards positioned roughly every 150 yards during high-occupancy periods such as spring break or major events.
The bill would also establish a pilot workforce-development program within TCSG to recruit and train high-school students as lifeguards, creating career pathways in public safety. Barry emphasized the bill "does not mandate beach closures if lifeguard services are unavailable" and said implementation would be subject to appropriations.
Family members addressed the committee. Alfred Shivvy Brooks, Bryce's father, described the rescue and urged lawmakers to act. He said the family founded the Bryce Brooks Foundation, which has provided eight weeks of swimming lessons to more than 600 children and adults and awards scholarships to seniors who display heroism. "No child, no resident, no visitor on a Georgia beach should feel that it is their responsibility to brave dangerous waters to save the lives of children when we can train, equip, and position certified professionals to do exactly that," Brooks said.
Committee members welcomed the proposal but raised several technical and fiscal questions. Representative Franklin asked for clearer definitions of "beach" and "periods of high occupancy" to avoid unintended coverage on remote islands or lightly used parks; others said the 150-yard staffing metric could be inflexible during very large events and asked for alternative density-based standards. Several members urged the committee to estimate costs and funding sources, and Barry replied the pilot would be subject to appropriations and that the state board of TCSG would develop and implement the program.
No vote was recorded; the committee proceeded to other business and requested clarifying language and cost estimates as it considers the measure.
