Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act
Summary
The Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act aims to ensure adequate lifeguard staffing at federal swimming areas and beaches by enabling the Secretary of the Interior to enter into agreements with local government agencies. These agreements would allow local lifeguards to staff designated swim locations during normal operating hours. The Act also mandates the reimbursement of local government agencies for all reasonable costs incurred while providing these lifeguard services.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to improved safety at federal beaches by ensuring consistent lifeguard presence. This could reduce the risk of accidents and improve response times in emergency situations. It formalizes and potentially expands existing agreements between federal and local entities.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced safety for visitors at federal swimming areas.
- Provides financial support to local government agencies for providing lifeguard services.
- Ensures continuity of lifeguard staffing, addressing potential shortages.
- Formalizes agreements between federal and local entities, clarifying responsibilities.
- Potentially reduces the burden on federal resources by leveraging local expertise.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to the federal government through reimbursement of local agencies.
- Possible bureaucratic hurdles in establishing and managing agreements with local governments.
- Reliance on local government agencies may create inconsistencies in lifeguard standards across different locations.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on lifeguard staffing and not addressing other beach safety concerns.
- The definition of "reasonable costs" could lead to disputes between federal and local entities.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it seeks to promote the safety and well-being of individuals using federal recreational facilities. Specifically, the preamble of the Constitution states the goal to "promote the general Welfare". Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).