Legislators Express Concern Over Lack Of State Park Lifeguards At Hearing

The House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee this week held a hearing on House Bill 719 (Helm-R-Dauphin) requiring lifeguards at Pennsylvania's State Parks.

 

Rep. Helm introduced the legislation after a 17 year old drowned at Pine Grove Furnace State Park where there were no lifeguards at the time. Since the drowning, lifeguards were reinstated one of only two State Parks with beaches to have lifeguards.

 

John Norbeck, Director of DCNR's Bureau of State Parks, said reducing the number of lifeguards was a decision brought on by the lack of qualified lifeguards willing to work the entire swimming season at a starting wage of $10.05/hour. As a result, DCNR adopted an "open swim" policy clearly notifying visitors that no lifeguards were on duty.

 

As drafted, Norbeck said, the legislation would cost DCNR $1.3 million and would require the agency to completely shutdown swimming facilities if they could not get enough lifeguards.

 

Stephanie Maurer, Auditor General's Office, presented the Committee with the findings of a 2008 audit of the program and expressed the concern that proposed budget cuts would end lifeguards at Presque Isle and Pinewood Furnance State Parks, the only two of the 38 parks with beaches that have lifeguards.
 

Bryan Heckle, Redwoods Group, an insurer of swimming facilities, supported the legislation saying lifeguards are an important part of keep the risk of injury or death low.

 

Dr. Phil McKnelly, National Association of State Park Directors, provided the Committee with an overview of a 2004 survey on the topic saying 7 states provided lifeguards at all swimming areas, 24 states provide guards at some but not all and 10 states do not provide lifeguard services.
 

Dr. McKnelly noted that in an ideal world state park systems would have lifeguards at their swimming facilities, but most states do not have the financial resources to support a full staff and it is difficult to retain staff.

 

The hearing was chaired by Rep. Chris Sainato (D-Lawurence) and Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Delaware).