A new water safety-focused Web site is in the works, with plans to make Kaua’i a safer place for oceangoers. Aquatic Safety Kauai plans to raise the awareness of the public about ocean hazards and daily surf conditions, about water
A new water safety-focused Web site is in the works, with plans to make Kaua’i a safer place for oceangoers.
Aquatic Safety Kauai plans to raise the awareness of the public about ocean hazards and daily surf conditions, about water activities and regulations enforced at Kaua’i beaches.
The heart of the project would be Web site with daily updates.
Winston Welborn of Wasabi Design in Princeville, who is heading up the project, said hotels and other visitor accommodations would be able to provide guests with accurate, daily-updated ocean information with a Kaua’i-focus.
Water safety expert Pat Durkin of Kilauea is serving as a consultant for the ASK program.
Statistics provided by Durkin at a recent presentation before representatives of various County of Kaua’i departments show that since 1970 over 270 lives have been lost on Kaua’i’s beaches due to drowning as a primary or secondary cause of death.
Water safety has improved, he said, with the increase in county lifeguards and the placing of lifeguard stations at more beaches.
Durkin said the ASK program would help save lives and enhance the county’s lifeguard program by providing water safety information to visitors and local residents before they go to the beach.
The presentation by the group showed how their Web site and accompanying printed material would provide information about current ocean conditions, seasonal ocean hazards, where lifeguarded beaches are located, daily weather and surf information, a list of county and state ocean regulations and a look at what aquatic activities are available at Kaua’i beaches.
The program would be set up as a non-profit organization and initially seek grants to launch the project, Welborn said.
For a preview of the ASK Web site go to http://www.ask.kauaistyle.com .
