PO‘IPU — The concrete was not yet dry on the new Beach Safety Display Saturday, and already a steady stream of people were stopping and asking questions. The reaction pleased both Dr. Monty Downs and Jim Jung of the Kaua‘i
PO‘IPU — The concrete was not yet dry on the new Beach Safety Display Saturday, and already a steady stream of people were stopping and asking questions.
The reaction pleased both Dr. Monty Downs and Jim Jung of the Kaua‘i Lifeguards Association, who were involved for the installation of the display, located near the public showers next to the Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club.
“This is historic,” Downs said. “This is the first of what eventually should be 30 signs located at the popular beaches and swimming areas frequented by both visitors and residents.”
Downs said the signs are based on aerial photos with overlying graphics done by Winston Welborn of the Kaua‘i Explorer website.
“The graphics include the ‘issues’ which are in play at each beach, including location of rip currents, rock formations, and more, along with some brief generalized safety comments,” Downs said in an email. “The graphics were carefully analyzed and reviewed by attorneys, resort managers, lifeguards and other ocean safety experts.”
Bill Prinzing of the Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Beach and Mark Domingcil of the Waiohai security department joined the group in installing the attractive sign created by a company in Oregon.
“The Rotary Clubs on Kaua‘i are all involved in ocean safety in one form or another, from rescue tubes, to being involved in KLA fundraisers and other projects,” Downs said. “This is just another arrow in the quiver of life-saving tools as we continue to tackle Kaua‘i’s ocean safety challenge.”
The signs will help combat the dangers of our “relentless ocean,” Downs said, giving information to Kaua‘i visitors “who are not aware of these currents and who often arrive here simply picturing the golden beaches and the gently swaying palms.”
Downs said with the successful installation of the Waiohai sign, the next two are scheduled for Kalapaki Beach in Nawiliwili.
“The KLA has been very fortunate to have generous donors who are sponsoring these displays, which cost about $2,500 each,” Downs said.
“Some of the sponsors include Capt. Andy’s Sailing Adventures, Duke’s Restaurant, Hawai‘i Care and Cleaning, Dow Agrosciences, the Princeville Center, the Kaua‘i Athletic Club and Hale Kaua‘i. As this program moves forward, I have no doubt there will be future sponsors.”
Downs said he is in negotiations with the county attorney to work on placement of more signs across the island, since the county is the landowner of many of the parcels the KLA is targeting.
Jung was completing the placement of yellow caution tape to keep people from disturbing the concrete.
“If this can save one life, it’s worth it,” he said.
Visit www.kauaiexplorer.com for more information on outdoor conditions.
Visit www.kauailifeguards.org for more information on the KLA.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
