LIHUE — Over the years, donations from the private sector have enabled Kauai lifeguards to upgrade and add about $1.2 million in equipment, emergency transportation, towers and technology that saved lives.
In 2019, the Kauai Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau performed 35 Jet Ski rescues, 264 rescues, 1,958 first aids, 131,334 preventative actions and 147,134 public contacts. Meantime, beach attendance has more than doubled to 2.4 million in a few years.
A donation of $125,000 from Hawaii Tourism Authority for 2020 will add further equipment and communication in times of floods and emergencies.
Kalani Vierra, OSB director, talked of rescue sleds, a Zodiac boat and trailer, waterproof hand-held radios, a Kawasaki Mule, and radio repeaters to communicate in treacherous and remote areas along the coast.“These things will help our first responders communicate and get to situations most efficiently,” he said.
HTA Chief Administrative Officer Keith Regan is impressed with KLA’s
efforts.
“HTA’s donation allows us to focus on a community program that familiarizes residents with the many safety techniques around the shore while always putting safety first as we expand our Ocean-Minded Community,” said Andy Melamed, KLA board member and marketing committee coordinator.
The “KLA 2020 Vision” supported by Kauai’s private sector includes expanding the Keiki and Junior Lifeguard Program, while supporting swim clubs, standup paddle races, surf meets, bodyboard competition, and open-water swims and canoe races.
“Partnering will encourage and support more participation and ocean-related activities,” Melamed said.
Kauai’s High School swim teams as well as the Aquatics Hawaii Academy swim program with the island’s elementary schools will also receive support.
Free KLA Beach Days will be hosted at lifeguarded beaches. Lifeguards will point out swells and currents, while providing opportunities to learn bodyboarding, surfing, canoe paddling and safe snorkeling techniques.
There will be food, refreshments and music at these gatherings at Salt Pond Beach Park, Kalapaki, Lydgate Park and Hanalei with OSB and its supporters and benefactors.
Safety measures in the form of video clips will pop up online for those seeking information about Kauai in social media, while videos and brochures on safety continue to reinforce KLAs goals.
The OSB safety trailer will also be at shopping centers, retail outlets, parades, festivals and fairs islandwide.
“This proactive stance is what the KLA 2020 Vision is all about,” Melamed said.
Dr. Monty Downs, president of the KLA for 13 years, said, “We started out in 2006 selling T-shirts to raise money for a Junior Lifeguard Program, and I’m proud to say that with help from the private sector, businesses and individuals, our concept has grown to a point where we know we can make a difference when it comes to helping to save lives year-round while building a community that is proud and respectful of our beaches and ocean.”
KLA’s Sixth Wave fundraiser is planned for July 18 at the Kauai Marriott Resort &Beach Club Grand Ballroom, with an award-winning menu, guest speakers, auctions, art displays, prizes and performers.
Tables and ways to tie into the KLA 2020 Vision are available by contacting Chantal Zarbaugh, KLA marketing director, 651-9183, or at Chantal.Zarbaugh@gmail.com.
