HONOLULU — Since the opening of the newest lifeguard tower at Kahe Point Beach Park one month ago on Aug. 3, Honolulu Ocean Safety reports lifeguards have performed seven rescues and averaged over 160 “preventative actions” a day, according to a news release.
A preventative action is when lifeguards educate beach goers or intervene before beach goers do something that may cause injury or death.
Large groups of divers and snorkelers come into contact with Kahe Point lifeguards daily. One of those snorkelers recently contacted Ocean Safety, saying he was at Kahe Point when a strong current pulled him out. He panicked and struggled to return to shore and was grateful to the Ocean Safety lifeguard on duty who saved him.
“One more tower may not seem like a big deal, just like an extra couple of hours on the beach may not seem like a big deal,” said acting Lieutenant Pono Akiona-Ferriman in the release. Akiona-Ferriman is a second-generation city lifeguard and lifelong Leeward Coast resident. “But the new tower at Kahe Point, and the longer hours, have already saved lives. The biggest shift we’ve seen is that people have more awareness of the hazards and risks at spots like Kahe Point. We’ve noticed more and more people approaching us and asking how to keep themselves safe in the water.”
Kahe Point lifeguards have also called the Honolulu Police Department for car break-ins, fights and other disturbances. They’ve also called Honolulu Emergency Medical Services for a child having a seizure.
Ocean Safety’s 287 personnel staff 42 towers and 16 mobile units, making nearly 3,000 rescues a year. Since an “extended hours” law passed in 2019, most towers are open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Sept. 10, seven North Shore towers will change over to the longer hours after which all Ocean Safety units will work the same schedule.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.