LIHU‘E – Officials remind the public to exercise caution and offer safety tips for outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming.
LIHU‘E – Officials remind the public to exercise caution and offer safety tips for outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming.
“Our focus remains on keeping our residents, visitors, and rescuers safe. Air, land, and sea rescue missions are dispatched for emergencies,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Steven R. Goble. “These rescue missions are extremely technical and present an elevated risk to everyone involved. If a rescue is not deemed an emergency, a cost recovery process may fall upon those who intentionally disregard safety in order to maintain the viability of our rescue program.”
When planning outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, officials advise outdoor enthusiasts to let others know of their intended destination and return time, wear proper footwear, have enough water to avoid dehydration, do not hike alone, remain on marked trails, and stay alert of changes in weather conditions.
“As the visitor population continues to grow daily, the chance of rescues also increases,” said OSB Chief Kalani Vierra. “The island offers many hidden beauties, which at times can also be some of the most dangerous locations.”
For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984.
This year, the Kaua‘i Fire Department responded to 65 incidents that involved rescue efforts, while the Ocean Safety Bureau responded to 128 incidents that involved rescue efforts from Jan. 1 to June 30.
