Kauai’s Ocean Safety Bureau is extending the time lifeguarded beaches are covered to 10 hours. 

Lifeguard stations will now be staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting May 1, according to a news release.  

Kauai is the first county in Hawaii to have full-time extended hours of coverage for its entire Ocean Safety Bureau program. 

“To reduce the number of drownings and aquatic injuries across our island, these extended hours of coverage will enhance the safety of our residences and visitors who visit our beautiful beaches,” Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Kalani Vierra said in the news release.

An average of 40 Hawaii residents die from drowning every year, according to statistics from the state Department of Health. Including non-residents increases the average annual number of deaths to 83. Snorkeling was the most common activity, associated with 27% of all ocean drownings. However, of the four major Hawaiian Islands, Kauai had the smallest amount of drowning deaths. 

“Mahalo to Mayor Kawakami for approving 12 full-time positions to make this ocean safety preventive measure a reality,” Vierra added. “This transition comes at a good time as our days are getting longer and summer months are almost here.”

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.