The Pennsylvania Tourism & Lodging Association opposes legislation that would require lodging establishments to have lifeguards on duty.
On November 21, 2007, Representative John Evans (R-Erie) introduced legislation mandating that hotels, motels, resorts and campgrounds have lifeguards on duty during hours open to guests and for private functions.. House Bill 2062 was referred to the House Tourism & Recreational Development Committee.
Lodging operators in the Commonwealth have no higher concern or commitment than that of safeguarding guests and employees.
Currently, Pennsylvania law does not require lodging establishments to provide lifeguards at swimming pools.
House Bill 2062 is a government mandate on lodging facilities that is not needed. Requiring these businesses to have a lifeguard on duty will place an undue burden on operators to secure and maintain qualified persons to act as lifeguards, In today's tight labor market, it is very difficult to hire lifeguards.
The Board of Directors took prompt action and voted to take a position in opposition to House Bill 2436 several weeks after the bill was introduced. PTLA staff communicated the Association's position to members of the House Tourism Committee and other key Democratic and Republican House members.
The House Tourism Committee has not considered the bill due to the PTLA's effective lobbying efforts. House Bill 2062 is expected to “die” in committee when the current legislative session ends on November 30, 2008.
