Ocean Safety Lifeguards launch additional Leeward Coast rescue watercraft
Rescue watercraft is second to cover Ka‘ena Point to Iroquois Point
Honolulu — The Ocean Safety & Lifeguard Services Division added a second full-time rescue watercraft to its leeward operations today. Rescue Seven’s (R7) area stretches from Electric Beach in Nānākuli to Iroquois Point, roughly a 10-mile stretch of coastline. Since starting operations earlier this year, Rescue Seven watercraft operators performed more than 130 rescues. Another watercraft crew, Rescue Four, covers the stretch of coastline from Ka‘ena Point to Electric Beach.
“The use of watercraft for ocean rescues was pioneered by Hawai’i lifeguards 25 years ago and has saved countless lives,” said Mayor Caldwell. “Adding a second rescue watercraft crew to the Leeward Coast is long overdue, as ocean conditions on the west side can quickly change from calm and welcoming to treacherous and unforgiving.”
The south shore also gained a second rescue watercraft, covering the coastline from the Ala Wai Boat Harbor to Pearl Harbor. This watercraft is manned by lifeguards and conducts operations as warranted by ocean conditions.
Councilwoman Kymberly Pine and the Honolulu City Council appropriated additional funds in the current fiscal year budget to support extended Ocean Safety operations, which Mayor Caldwell supported.
“In the fiscal year 2017 Budget, the City Council funded $500,000 for the City & County Ocean Safety Division’s operations,” said Councilmember Pine. “Today, with the addition of a second rescue watercraft crew, our heroic lifeguards are now able to increase their coverage on our Leeward Coast beaches so that they can continue to save lives in and out of our waters every day.”
