HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR073119OceanSafetyofficialsextendservicehoursforrovingpatrolsTHE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
mqa MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
C os
News Release
For Immediate Release: July 31, 2019
KAUA'I FIRE DEPARTMENT
KILIPAKI VAUGHAN, DEPUTY CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-4980
Fax (808) 241-6508
Ocean Safety officials extend service hours for roving patrols
LIHU'E — Starting on Thursday, August 1, Ocean Safety officials will implement extended
hours for its lifeguard patrol services islandwide.
The new service hours for the Kauai Fire Department's Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB)
Roving Patrol Units will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily.
Service hours at all lifeguard towers will remain unchanged, and stationed personnel will
continue to monitor guarded beaches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.
"OSB's Roving Patrol Units are essential for our ocean safety efforts, as they provide
coverage for busy beaches that don't have a stationed lifeguard tower," said OSB Chief Kalani
Vierra. "Extending our roving patrol service hours will be a one-year pilot program meant to
provide additional support for our existing efforts to promote ocean safety messages, prevent
ocean -related incidents, and respond quickly to incidents -in -progress."
OSB's Roving Patrol Units consist of three to four highly -trained lifeguards who cover
primary beaches in the following districts:
• South: Kekaha to Maha'ulepu;
• East: Kalapaki to Rock Quarry; and
• North: Rock Quarry to K6'e.
Additional Roving Units are dispatched to other areas of concern as needed.
While Ocean Safety officials recommend swimming only at lifeguarded areas, they offer
the following tips for all beachgoers:
1. Use the buddy system.
2. Check for the latest ocean conditions at www.hawaiibeachsafetV.com.
3. Before entering the water, observe the ocean conditions for at least 20 minutes.
Take special note of any dangerous shore break or rip currents.
4. Observe for any warnings or signs posted in the general area.
5. Always have an emergency action plan.
"Wherever you plan to enjoy the ocean, always remember to know your limits, know the
conditions, and when in doubt, don't go out," said Vierra.
For updated information about ocean conditions, please speak to a county lifeguard, log
onto www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984.