Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act

HR 5063, the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act, requires the Secretary of the Interior to partner with local governments to ensure adequate lifeguard staffing at federal beaches and swimming areas managed by agencies like the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management. If a staffing shortage threatens safety (excluding temporary absences like sick leave), the Secretary must arrange agreements with local agencies to provide lifeguards during operating hours, reimbursing them for all reasonable costs. Existing agreements must be updated to guarantee full reimbursement, regardless of prior cost-sharing terms. This directly affects federal beach locations and the local governments providing lifeguard services.