Federal Beaches Face Lifeguard Shortage amid Staffing Cuts

Many National Park Service beaches are facing significant lifeguard shortages this summer, causing concern for swimmer safety during peak vacation periods like the July Fourth weekend. The Trump administration implemented job cuts, buyouts, and a hiring freeze at the Park Service, contributing to fewer than half of the 7,700 seasonal lifeguard positions being filled as of late May. Approximately 1,000 employees were laid off in February by the Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by Elon Musk through May, and about 2,500 permanent workers accepted buyouts or early retirements in efforts to downsize the federal workforce. Some popular federal beaches, including locations like Great Kills Park Beach in New York and Sandy Hook in New Jersey, have reduced lifeguard hours or no lifeguards at all, prompting calls from lawmakers such as Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. for accountability from the administration. The National Park Service has noted that lifeguard staffing is expected to improve as summer progresses, while urging the public to learn water safety skills amid the shortage. Advocacy groups and state and local officials warn that the cuts have created risky conditions at federal parks, but the Park Service declined to comment on personnel matters.