I work in a seasonal (summer lifeguard) position in Colorado where most of my time is spent out in the sun or doing physical labor of some sort. It isn't particularly arduous work, but it can be tiring. I work with mostly young adults or minors (ages 16-21), and our manager, who I will call 'L,' is about 26.
I've worked at this location for a few years, in which we've had multiple managers. This is L's first year. This year, our hours-per-shift have increased to 6 or 7 hours, which according to state law requires us to take 30 minute unpaid break, and a few 10 minute paid breaks. Besides, company policy guarantees us these breaks plus more.
The problem arises because often we will be scheduled to perform certain tasks, such as guarding, and we won't be scheduled breaks. Most days nobody will take the required breaks.
I've mentioned it informally to L. About a month ago, I emailed what's written in state law and in our employee handbook, after a coworker disputed what I said about the breaks. There was no change. I mentioned it again when we had about 3/4 of our staff on a busy day, where some were working up to 12 hours, with no breaks scheduled. I was dismissed when I brought it up.
Personally, I don't mind not taking the breaks. I don't experience heat exhaustion or dehydration during my shifts. However, I worry that other workers will be, which will become a safety hazard (the workers in my position are responsible for other individuals safety).
If I report this to HR, I would be undermining L. What should I do?