Water Safety Officer, County of Kaua‘i By The Garden Island It’s safe to say that over the past thirteen years, very few people have spent more time in the waters of Hanalei Bay than County Lifeguard Mark McKamey. Winter or
Water Safety Officer, County of Kaua‘i
By The Garden Island
It’s safe to say that over the past thirteen years, very few people have spent more time in the waters of Hanalei Bay than County Lifeguard Mark McKamey.
Winter or summer, whether big surf dominates the bay or big yachts, McKamey, a Kaua‘i Fire Department water safety officer, can be found, when not on a call, in the lifeguard tower fronting the Hanalei pavilion.
A fifteen-year veteran lifeguard, thirteen of those in Hanalei, McKamey, 41, said he really never thought of being a lifeguard growing up in Po‘ipu.
“I used to hang out with the lifeguards when I was a kid. I’d help, talk story with” them, he said. “I never thought I would be lucky enough.” But, years ago, “a friend got me into it,” McKamey continued.
“The opportunity was just there.” McKamey, who attended Kaua‘i High School, is a natural- born waterman, remembering childhood days bodysurfing at Shipwreck’s Beach when there actually was a ship there, as well as fun days bodysurfing at Brennecke’s Beach.
While bodysurfing remains his passion, McKamey also likes to regularly surf, free dive, spearfish, paddle board and tow surf. “All that (kind of) water stuff, I love it,” he added. “Working in and near the ocean, it’s a good plus. “Even when I’m stressed out, it’s still better than most jobs,” he said. And what stresses out a veteran lifeguard? “Witnessing the tragedies,” McKamey answered without hesitation.
“When you have to deal with the families when you’re right there on the scene, that’s the worst. “Dead bodies don’t bother me,” he added, “it’s the spouses left behind.” McKamey is a newlywed, married to Nicole. The couple live in Kapa‘a.
