Two Kaua’i lifeguards saved a vacationer Saturday near Lydgate Tower. According to Fire Department Battalion Chief Bob Kaden, a report came in Saturday, Feb. 16, at 2:26 p.m. that two lifeguards had pulled a visitor to shore in the vicinity
Two Kaua’i lifeguards saved a vacationer Saturday near Lydgate Tower.
According to Fire Department Battalion Chief Bob Kaden, a report came in Saturday, Feb. 16, at 2:26 p.m. that two lifeguards had pulled a visitor to shore in the vicinity of Lydgate Tower.
“A male visitor from Maryland, 48-year-old Ron Moon, was snorkeling and ended up 100 yards offshore in a wave break. He became disoriented and lost his gear,” Kaden said.
“It became obvious to lifeguards that he (Moon) needed assistance,” Kaden continued. “Lifeguard Kris Huber paddled out on a rescue board and brought him in. The victim was exhausted and winded and another lifeguard Lucas Hamberg and Huber gave him (Moon) oxygen. By the time the EMTs arrived it was determined that the oxygen had done its job and he (Moon) wasn’t transported to the hospital,” Kaden said.
There have been no drownings as yet this year.
In 2001 there were eight drownings, down four deaths from 12 drownings in 2000 and 1999.
Six new lifeguards, which will bring the county’s number of water rescue operators to 26, are currently in training which started Monday.
The half-dozen new lifeguards will be assigned to beaches by this weekend.
Kaden also noted that there are expanded medical training courses for lifeguards upcoming, in addition to the annual emergency first responder training.
