LIHUE — When lifeguard Tyrus Siale charged out of the water after a 100-yard swim, he was smiling.
A minute later, as he caught his breath, he looked around at his colleagues at Kalapaki Beach.
“Trying to compete with these young guys, woo,” he said, laughing. “It was tough.”
Siale was a member of one of five teams that took part in a lifeguard challenge at Saturday’s “Beach Bash” benefit for the Kauai Lifeguard Association.
The run, swim and paddle race, that also included guests Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, KLA President Dr. Monty Downs and County Councilmember Luke Evslin, was a highlight of the sold-out annual fundraiser on a sunny afternoon.
The event included music, food and more, all under the eye of emcee Augie T.
“‘Very thankful’ is the operative word,” Downs said. “Thankful for the support we get year-in and year-out, which allows us to support our lifeguards you see out here today.”
Kawakami, who also played the role of victim in a water rescue demonstration, was beaming with pride as he surveyed the crowd.
“This is amazing. This community has rallied around our first responders in a way that makes me so proud to be their mayor,” he said.
As for the rescue experience, he called it “amazing.” Lifeguards were quick, responsive, and although he pretended to be unconscious, they still talked him through it as a calming measure as they zipped him to shore on a Jet Ski.
“That’s why I respect our ocean safety guys,” he said.
Lifeguard Eugene Ancheta, fit and fast as ever and often stationed at Kealia Beach, said the support they receive from the community is great.
“It really means a lot,” he said.
Chantal Zarbaugh, KLA marketing manager, said lifeguards are the only first responders who have to take a physical agility test to keep their jobs.
The run/swim/paddle competition showcased that fitness.
Such training is what “keeps them in shape so they can go ahead and save anybody that they need to,” Zarbaugh said.
“They’re always ready to rock and roll when it comes to saving people,” she said.
Kalani Vierra, Kauai Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau chief and a KLA board member, said lifeguards who serve as rescue craft operators must pass an extremely difficult agility test — run 1,000 yards and swim 1,000 yards in 20 minutes.
On a Jet Ski, a two-person team can reach a victim in seconds, drop off a rescue swimmer who secures the victim, and then return quickly to shore and safety.
Lifeguards stationed in towers must be able to do the 1,000/1,000 challenge in 25 minutes.
“So, as you can see, you have to keep yourself in great shape,” said Vierra, who also competed in the competition.
KLA is about to begin a five-year program to try and get more lifeguards, more equipment and more roving units so they can be in more areas islandwide.
The Beach Bash, Zarbaugh said, is a big part of that effort.
“You guys are the leaders, so thank you very much,” she said to the crowd.
Andy Melamed, KLA board member, said over the last eight years, KLA has put on seven events that have raised more than $1 million.
He praised Fred Atkins, Hawaii Tourism Authority board member, who was a driving force behind HTA matching $125,000 raised by KLA last year. The money was used to recently purchase two new 2019 Ford F150 trucks and two Jet Skis at Kuhio Ford.
HTA has offered the same deal this year.
“And it all goes to OSB to help save lives,” Melamed said.
Kawakami praised the “brave hearts” — the lifeguards and firefighters and public-safety personnel.
“Every single person who puts their lives at risk just to make sure the island is safe is a hero in my eye,” he said.
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Bill Buley, editor-in-chief, can be reached at 245-0457 or bbuley@thegardenisland.com.
