California's ocean lifeguards moved a step closer to official first-responder status after the state Senate unanimously passed a resolution co-authored by Encinitas Sen. Catherine Blakespear.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 192 cleared the Senate 38-0 earlier this month and awaits action in the Assembly, according to the Mercury News. The measure formally recognizes professional ocean and open-water lifeguards as first responders, a classification advocates say has long excluded them despite the emergency work they perform daily.

The vote was unanimous.

"I am proud to coauthor SCR 192, which recognizes open water lifeguards as first responders," Blakespear said. "In Senate District 33, lifeguards have saved countless lives on our beaches."

Blakespear represents Senate District 33, which includes Encinitas. Sen. Henry Stern authored the resolution, with Blakespear and Sen. Gonzalez as co-authors and additional support from Sens. Strickland and Laird.

The resolution does not immediately change pay or benefits. Instead, it aims to build momentum for better compensation, mental health protections and priority access to vaccines during future emergencies, Patch reported. Advocates also hope the state-level recognition will influence federal law.

Local stakes

The push carries particular weight in Encinitas, where lifeguards handle a heavy workload along the city's coastline. In 2025, Encinitas lifeguards logged 706 ocean rescues, 748 medical aids and 9,517 preventive safety contacts, according to the Padre Beach Rescue Association's year-end summary.

Staffing pressures have also drawn attention locally. In December 2025, Encinitas Fire Chief Josh Gordon noted that changes to surf school beach locations were partially driven by an assessment of impacts on lifeguarding services.

The campaign around SCR 192 has rallied under the hashtag #ForgottenFirstResponder. Gisele Halualani of the Malibu Coast Surf Lifesaving Association wrote on Instagram on Aug. 12, after the Senate vote:

"SCR 192 HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY THE FIRST CHAMBER, THE SENATE!! … So our work is not done quite yet! Please contact your Assemblymember and ask them to vote YES on SCR 192."

The Assembly has not scheduled a vote on the resolution. Residents who want to weigh in can contact their Assembly member's office directly.