Here’s a great number: 87, 296.
That’s how many preventative actions Kauai’s lifeguards took through the first six months of this year.
Speaking of numbers, there are more that reflect how busy lifeguards have been so far in 2018: 157 rescues; 2,421 first aid; 122,467 public contact; 105 Jet Ski rescues/assists; and 1.25 million in total beach attendance.
Sometimes, the numbers speak louder than words when it comes to explaining just how important of a role lifeguards have on Kauai.
It helps outline why organizers of this Friday’s 5th Wave fundraiser for the Kauai Lifeguard Association commit so much time and energy, why they’re hoping for a big crowd and why they’re so thankful to sponsors
“We know how difficult it’s been for many of our friends and neighbors this year and all the support we have received is especially appreciate,” said Dr. Downs, KLA president.
“With but a few tables and or individual seats remaining, the Kauai community has once again embraced KLA’s ocean-minded community campaign, a campaign whose sole purpose is to help save lives,” said Andy Melamed, an organizer and KLA board member.
There’s one number KLA wants to see at zero, and that’s drownings. There have been five so far this year, primarily in snorkeling situations.
The Fifth Wave is part of the plan to keep people as safe as possible.
“The equipment alone that will be donated to the Ocean Safety Bureau will provide us with quicker response times when peoples lives are on the line,” said Kalani Vierra, Ocean Safety Bureau director. “Without the Kauai Lifeguard Association many preventative measures as well as rescues might have never occurred this year and over the past few years. We are deeply indebted to KLA who in turn is deeply indebted to the Kauai community.”
The 5th Wave promises to be an evening of fun, food, music, entertainment, art and friendship.
It starts at 5 p.m. at the Kauai Marriott Resort. You can still be part of it, as tickets are available.
Here’s what you’ll get when you go:
There are over $50,000 in prizes and merchandise. Ron Mizutani is the master of ceremonies.
Master Live Art painter/performer Norton Wisdom will create pieces on stage inspired by the musicians of the evening that include Makana, Paula Fuga and Jonathan Rivera.
There will be a live auction before Makana’s performance for a Mokihana trip for two for six nights on Oahu, VIP invitations to the annual Surfer Poll Awards at Turtle Bay, VIP passes to the Billabong Pipe Masters and a custom-carved Alai a Kauai hardwood board by the talented craftsman Leleo Kinimaka.
Leleo is donating additional boards for the silent auction arena. His boards have sold around the world for up to $22,000, and one of his boards is at an international museum in Washington, D.C.
The Kauai Marriott Quickie Bingo games include a swimming pool party for 20, an oceanfront one-bedroom suite as well as the Presidential Suite. Ocean-oriented gold whale tails and honu sparkling with gemstones were created especially for the event from Jim Saylor Jewelers and Goldsmiths Kauai Inc.
Random drawings will take place through the evening, including a grand prize $8,700 Alaska Airlines Grape Escape for seven nights in Sonoma’s wine country.
But let’s not forget what this evening is all about.
The celebration salutes Kauai lifeguards and there will be the annual Tower of Power presentation going to this guards of the year. There will also be the annual Percy Kinimaka Award of Aloha to the Junior Guard of the year, and a special video featuring Kauai lifeguards.
There are a few individual seats and remaining tables available for $200 a person with $120 of each being tax deductible. For information go to Kauailifeguards.org or call Chantal Zarbaugh at 651-8913.
