Lifeguards — many of us teenagers — are being forced to work in unsafe, unsanitary, and unfair conditions. We’ve been required to clean public bathrooms contaminated with waste, exposing us to serious health risks. This isn’t in our training. This isn’t safe.

We also work long hours in extreme heat, often over 90°F, without regular breaks shade or access to water. Some of us have had to deal with rodents, maggots, snakes — even chemical sprays inside our break area — all while trying to stay focused on saving lives.

Worse, we’ve been yelled at, harassed, and even threatened by patrons while on duty. Instead of being protected, we’ve been blamed. This is unacceptable.

We love being lifeguards. We care about protecting people. But who’s protecting us?

The Lifeguard Protection Act would finally give us the safeguards we need — similar to those protecting public workers like transit operators and bus drivers. It would:

Ban minors and lifeguards from being forced to clean public toilets.  If the pool is open to the public on free days, management must be prepared to handle the crowd. It’s not just about cleaning — asking teen lifeguards to sanitize public bathrooms exposes them to unsanitary conditions and potential disease. After long, demanding shifts, that’s simply not right.

Require safe, clean break areas and access to clean cold water

Require proper protection from the sun especially when the temps reach 80 degrees and above to prevent skin cancer.

Prohibit pest control and janitorial duties for untrained workers

Enforce regular pay and fair scheduling

Mandate fines and legal penalties for anyone who verbally or physically attacks a lifeguard on duty

Establish a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, threats, or retaliation

This Act isn’t just about us — it’s about every future lifeguard. Let’s make sure they’re treated with dignity, safety, and respect from day one.

🛟 Lifeguards protect the public. It’s time New Jersey protects lifeguards.