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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
04/24/2024 04:05 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20130&cosponId=14978
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House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: June 30, 2014 12:06 PM
From: Representative Kevin J. Schreiber
To: All House members
Subject: Legislation Requiring Certified Lifeguards at Public Beaches in State Parks
 
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that would require the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to provide certified lifeguards at all public beaches in Pennsylvania state parks. This is a companion bill to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator Teplitz.

As you know, our state park system provides a host of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and swimming. With the official start of summer, many swimming facilities at our state parks are seeing their typical increase in visitors. Regrettably, while these visitors are seeking a safe reprieve from the summer heat, DCNR is failing to adequately protect them since the department does not require certified lifeguards to be on duty at all public beaches in state parks.

In 2008, DCNR ended its policy of employing lifeguards at all public beaches in state parks, except Lake Erie in Presque Isle State Park and Fuller Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Around that time, a report issued by the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General questioned whether this cost savings was worth the risk to public health and safety. The report recommended that DCNR reconsider its policy, while further encouraging the General Assembly to strengthen laws requiring lifeguards at all public beaches in state parks.

This legislation would amend the Conservation and Natural Resources Act of 1995 by requiring DCNR to employ certified lifeguards at peak swimming periods on public beaches in state parks. In addition, it would further require signs to be erected on these beaches notifying visitors that they are swimming at their own risk during those periods when lifeguards are not on duty. I believe it is imperative that we enact this measure to ensure the safety of visitors to our state parks.


Introduced as HB2485