•Ocean safety during an economic downturn •Nice work Ocean safety during an economic downturn With government freezes and cutbacks, Kaua‘i’s ocean safety program is challenged to find ways in which to grow. Meanwhile, the challenge seems only to grow. We’ve
•Ocean safety during an economic downturn
•Nice work
Ocean safety during an economic downturn
With government freezes and cutbacks, Kaua‘i’s ocean safety program is challenged to find ways in which to grow. Meanwhile, the challenge seems only to grow.
We’ve already suffered nine drownings this year and there were 16 last year, despite all the remarkable advances in our program that were made before the economy put a grinding stop to our ability to add lifeguards and towers and equipment.
So, where do we turn if we are to improve? There are two answers, one that comes from within our county lifeguard program, and the other from outside.
Regarding the former, the challenge is simply to do more with what we have. As with any public safety or service industry, improvement is the goal no matter the circumstances. To achieve this in ocean safety, what is required is continuous review and upgrade of protocols, continuous training and peer assessments.
The goal of this is to both improve on-site vigilance (for example, defining and refining how long one lifeguard can sanely keep his/her eyes glued to the water before needing relief) and also to expand roving capabilities. (E.g. if there’s a flat day on one side of the island, increase protection on the other, maybe even to include preventive lookovers at our many unguarded beaches.)
We can compare our protocols with those from other locations — other islands, even other states or other countries. We are good, and often astoundingly good. (One day I hope to write a book about some of our amazing rescues/lives and families saved.) We can always be better.
The second “outside” answer comes from the private sector, and I have some really good news to report in this regard. One outstanding recent achievement: PAHIO Development, thanks to Lynn McCrory, recently obtained a State Conservation District Use Permit and then paid to install a series of warning signs at a particularly dangerous North Shore coastal area that has experienced numerous drownings. Really solid, really good work.
Other examples: The Marriott at Waiohai, with kudos to Steve Vannerell, and the new Ko‘a Kea Resort, because of the efforts of Greg Davis, have signed on with our Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association to have rescue tubes set up on their beachfronts. These rescue tubes have also been placed, thanks to donations from the Hanalei Rotary Club as well as from other private donors, at a number of our dangerous, unguarded beaches (17 so far), and to date we are aware of these having been instrumental in seven lives saved. Good stuff.
We’re hoping that other resorts will follow these exemplary life-saving initiatives and that they will either figure out their own contribution as did PAHIO Development, or that they’ll contact us regarding one of our KLA programs such as having rescue tubes placed on their beachfront.
A beach like Kalapaki, for example, is a natural for a couple of our rescue tubes, which are tastefully hung on implanted 3-inch PVC posts along with a placard that gives information on their use.
Other examples of private sector initiatives: Several resorts put ocean safety brochures and other information in each room. Kaua‘i Vacation Rentals gives out an ocean safety bookmark and an official Beach Safety Guide to every guest that checks in with them.
The Sheraton at Po‘ipu runs Kaua‘i’s official ocean safety video on their in-house TV. Several hotels have signed their employees up for Pat Durkin’s WAVE presentation, which reviews Kaua‘i’s beaches and seasonal hazards so that concierges will be able and anxious to give out important ocean information to our visitors, all day every day.
The airport has posted ocean safety banners in strategic locations. There are other examples I’m omitting in some attempt at being brief. I’m hoping that Mayor Carvalho will prove to be right in this life-and-death ‘ohana endeavor — together we can, together we will.
If you are interested in coming on board with any of these ideas please contact us at oceansafety@Kaua‘i.gov or wmdowns2000@yahoo.com.
Monty Downs, M.D,, ER Physician, Wilcox Hospital
Nice work
What a joy this afternoon as I walked around and viewed the finished sign at the “round building.” I am writing about the sign dedicated years ago, which recently suffered some damage.
The artists have been putting their creative sensitivity to work for the past few weeks. The sign looks terrific! The central location for the sign is perfect with ability to admire the front, back and also appreciate the new roof protection.
If you have a chance to take a peek, the symbolism on the sign is significant to our beautiful Garden Isle, and the aloha comes through gently and everlastingly. Big mahalo to the artists, and all those involved with the refurbishment!
I have enjoyed watching the progress daily and was pleasantly surprised today. Your physical lack of presence will be noticed, but what you left behind I will enjoy each day I enter the building.
Agatha Abernathy, Kapa‘a
