There's a push at the federal level to designate open water lifeguards, including ocean lifeguards, as first responders and emergency response providers.

The resolution is sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith, of New Jersey, and has multiple co-sponsors, including Long Island's congressional delegation.

Jones Beach lifeguard supervisor Cary Epstein supports it.

"It shouldn’t have to be a fight, " says Epstein. "We’re ultimately doing similar types of things as our other first responders, so why aren’t lifeguards designated as first responders?"

Lifeguards told News 12 that this designation would have helped during the pandemic.

If they'd been considered first responders, they said they could've gotten vaccinations sooner.

Epstein said it would make them eligible for death benefits - something they hope would not have to be cashed in on.

He thinks the designation might also draw more people to the job and could create "a bridge" for lifeguards to go into other public service jobs.