Editor’s note: This report is part of a bimonthlyseries of Ocean Rescue Watch columns about the people on Kaua‘i who rescue others and work to keep our beaches and waters safer. Hanalei Bay is a place of incredible beauty and
Editor’s note: This report is part of a bimonthlyseries of Ocean Rescue Watch columns about the people on Kaua‘i who rescue others and work to keep our beaches and waters safer.
Hanalei Bay is a place of incredible beauty and amazing surf. The county staffs two lifeguard towers at Pine Trees and Pavilion beach parks. Local residents and tourists alike enjoy the summer calm and winter waves. Lifeguards are especially busy during the Christmas holidays, and this year was no exception. Here are two rescues that saved lives.
Incident at Pine Trees
From September through April, winter storms in the North Pacific churn out swell after swell. The sand in the bay moves around daily with frequent surf, creating rip current channels and shallow sandbars. These areas are hazardous to swimmers, so lifeguards evaluate the changing conditions every morning and post warning signs. They perform preventions throughout the day, often hearing, “We were here yesterday, and it was fine.” The following rescue highlights the danger.
On Dec. 31, 2011, lifeguards Bruce Stine and Tyler Hale were opening the tower at Pine Trees when they were alerted to four people being carried out in a strong rip current.
Both immediately responded with rescue tubes, a rescue board and an ATV. Two were found in the shallow water, while the others were assisted in. Once safely ashore lifeguards assessed the swimmers condition.
Medics were called for a young lady who was severely exhausted and may have swallowed water. They administered oxygen and monitored her until fire personnel and medics arrived.
Incident at Pavilion
It takes years to master the art of riding waves, but a beginner can have a lot of fun sliding towards shore on a soft-top longboard. Swirling sand in the shore break is hard to judge. Assume the depth is shallow and fall accordingly, if possible. Try to surf with a friend, and use the buddy system of looking out for each other. Check in with the guards for current conditions before entering the water.
An incident occurred midday on Jan. 10 in front of the Pavilion tower. The waves were in the three- to five-foot range with moderate offshore trade winds. Kaeo Lopez and Chris Pico were working the tower, and with the shore break full of beginner surfers, Pico noticed a man low in the water.
Lopez immediately grabbed a rescue board and paddled out, while Pico gathered emergency supplies and followed suit. Lopez realized a spinal injury might be involved and went to mobilize the victim’s neck. Pico soon arrived, lifting the victim’s legs, and with great care they walked him out of the surf.
Once on shore, the lifeguards carefully secured the man onto a backboard, administered oxygen and assisted in moving him to the responding ambulance.
Both incidents could have resulted in drownings without the quick response of our lifeguards. Statistics show, island-wide, lifeguards monitored nearly 1.4 million (1,387,252) beach-goers in 2011. They conducted 55,060 preventions, or warnings for people to stay out of trouble,. They administered first aid to 3,416 people and conducted 378 rescues of people in distress.
Everyone is a story in itself, like the two you’ve read about here. Unfortunately, Kaua‘i also has the highest drowning rate per capita in the state, and last year claimed 13 lives, many at remote locations.
Please be aware that the shore break in Hanalei is always changing with winter swells. What looks like shallow calm water can have deep sections with water moving out to sea.
Observe posted signs and ask lifeguards for more information if in doubt. Always assume the water is shallow when surfing, try not to dive head first, and use the buddy system.
With these helpful tips you should have a great day in Hanalei. Aloha.
• Contributing writer Jim Ingham is the Kaua‘i County north district supervisor for ocean safety.
