More residents drown on the North Shore of Oʻahu than almost anywhere else in the state, prompting officials to seek solutions for this pressing issue.
Despite recent efforts to enhance lifeguard resources, keeping beachgoers safe has proven to be a challenging problem.
In a troubling incident that occurred in 1989, a 14-year-old girl from Mililani appeared to be enjoying a day at Ke Iki Beach but soon found herself in distress as she floated further from shore into dangerous waters.
A tourist from Portland intervened just in time, rescuing her from the turbulent waves that threatened to push her towards jagged rocks.
He later expressed hope that more safety measures would come from this near-tragedy, indicating a lack of adequate warning signs and lifeguard presence at the beach.
At that time, Ke Iki Beach was already infamous for its dangerous conditions, having claimed a life of a diver in a previous incident.
Frank Supranovich, a lifeguard, stressed the need for better safety measures, stating, “This is a bad beach.”
Fast forward three decades, and the situation remains disheartening.
Ke Iki Beach still lacks a lifeguard stand, with only a single plastic flotation ring available for emergencies.
The path to the beach is unpaved, devoid of any permanent warning signs, although lifeguards intermittently post temporary warnings about hazardous conditions.
Media reports indicate that at least five drownings have occurred at Ke Iki Beach in the past three years, highlighting the beach’s persistent dangers.
In one of the most recent tragedies, two teenagers from Mililani vanished from the beach during the night.
The search led to the discovery of the boy’s remains the following day, while the girl has not yet been found.
The North Shore of Oʻahu encompasses one of the most treacherous areas in Hawaiʻi, a state with the second highest resident drowning rate in the nation.
In the past decade, a total of 86 drownings have been recorded along the North Shore, with 64 victims being local residents.
Ocean safety is a complex issue on the North Shore, where conditions can change rapidly along a seven-mile stretch that includes notorious surf breaks at Haleʻiwa and Sunset Beach.
Rogue waves are a frequent hazard, especially for locals who often venture into less crowded areas to free dive or fish.
Lifeguards are universally acknowledged as vital to saving lives in Hawaiʻi, but for many years, Honolulu officials have struggled to prioritize ocean safety.
Former ocean safety leaders describe an ongoing struggle for funding, staffing, and necessary equipment that has resulted in continued fatalities.
However, positive changes are on the horizon.
Honolulu officials have begun to invest more resources into ocean safety, with the year 2024 already showing promising decreases in drowning numbers.
Even so, ocean safety officials emphasize that more education around ocean hazards, as well as an increase in lifeguard presence, will be essential for further reductions in fatalities.
Ralph Goto, who oversaw the county’s ocean safety efforts for decades, remains realistic: “Are we going to prevent them all? No. But we can do a lot of things that we think work.”
Current challenges regarding lifeguard availability are particularly evident along the North Shore, as Kerry Atwood, a lieutenant with the county’s Department of Ocean Safety, navigates the area’s rugged coastline.
As he patrols, he monitors reports from other lifeguards about wave conditions, ensuring he’s prepared to respond quickly in case of emergencies.
This vast district covers 53 miles, with particularly treacherous areas contributing to the need for vigilance.
During the winter months, waves can reach extraordinary heights, sometimes exceeding 20 or 30 feet, while the hot coastal terrain can lead to severe injuries.
Currently, the North Shore has only eight lifeguard towers, the fewest of any district aside from Hanauma Bay.
Ocean safety experts agree that these towers are crucial for monitoring beachgoers and preventing incidents before they occur.
Historically, lifeguard stations were limited, with five existing in 1998; however, recent efforts have enlarged this number.
Lifeguard towers are typically placed at public beaches that provide amenities, but safety incident data also plays a role in determining their locations.
Erecting a new lifeguard tower costs around $170,000, and ongoing staffing expenses pose additional challenges for county budgets.
As Atwood drives past Laniākea Beach, he reflects on the historical lack of proper equipment, recalling a time when lifeguards operated out of makeshift shelters instead of established towers.
“I don’t know how we got by without having a tower here,” he commented, emphasizing the necessity of improved oversight in high-risk areas.
For many years, lifeguards struggled to obtain even basic supplies for their operations, emphasizing their isolation on the North Shore.
It wasn’t until 2006 that lifeguards were officially designated as primary responders for ocean emergencies anywhere on Oʻahu, leading to improved resource allocation.
The budget for ocean safety has seen significant growth in the last decade, almost tripling since former structures integrated lifeguards into the Department of Emergency Services in 1998.
Nevertheless, a continued shortage of lifeguards remains a pressing issue.
“We still need a bunch more,” Goto stated, emphasizing that demand exceeds available personnel.
In response, the Department of Ocean Safety employs mobile units to improve coverage.
One innovative solution can be traced back to the early days when lifeguards utilized a city hearse as their emergency vehicle.
Currently, nearly two dozen mobile units, including jet ski patrols and lifeguard trucks, are utilized to cover the coastline efficiently.
Atwood describes the role of lieutenants as integral, balancing managerial duties with emergency response efforts.
They have become important resources for patrolling the North Shore while simultaneously overseeing lifeguard operations.
Due to the nature of some beaches lacking permanent lifeguard support, temporary coverage via truck-based units can provide necessary safety monitoring for high-risk areas.
Sharks Cove and Three Tables, closely situated to Ke Iki Beach, are two such areas where temporary safety measures have been instituted.
Despite improvements in resources and support, the task of keeping the coastline safe from drowning remains daunting.
In response to recent tragedies, including those at Ke Iki, Atwood and colleagues have had conversations about the necessity of warnings and precautions for those venturing to dangerous areas.
Notably, conditions at Ke Iki can change from seemingly calm to extraordinarily perilous within moments, offering no warning for unsuspecting beachgoers.
Atwood expresses a strong need for lifeguard towers as proactive safety measures, although geographic constraints complicate feasibility.
Tragedies such as the one involving the two missing teenagers underscore the unpredictable nature of ocean conditions.
While lifeguards may be on duty during the day, nighttime incidents pose a unique challenge to ocean safety endeavors.
After the recent incident, Atwood noted a gathering of friends discussing the risks associated with Ke Iki Beach during high surf periods.
“It’s an incredibly dangerous coastline,” he warns, acknowledging the rapid changes in conditions that can put anyone at risk of drowning.
Amid the challenges faced by ocean safety personnel, there is growing optimism for the future.
Many current and former officials are focused on continuous progress rather than lamenting missed opportunities.
According to Lager, as long as enhancements are being made, there is room for hope in effectively managing ocean safety.
In an effort to further bolster safety measures, there are ongoing negotiations for a first responder hub to be established near Sharks Cove, facilitating coordinated emergency response efforts.
The Department of Ocean Safety is proactively planning its inaugural budget as an independent entity, allocating funding towards additional lifeguard positions as well as improved safety equipment.
Prioritizing high-risk areas will be crucial in determining where additional lifeguard towers will be placed throughout the coastline.
In addition, efforts to educate local residents on safe beach practices are gaining traction, with community outreach aimed at raising awareness of ocean hazards.
Public service campaigns are targeting local interests, focusing on educational programs that promote safer ocean practices for residents.
Ultimately, the Department of Ocean Safety remains committed to balancing resource limitations with the essential need for beachgoer safety.
As Lager aptly puts it, “We can’t hold everyone’s hand when they go to the beach, but we have a duty to warn of known hazards.”
The ocean will always pose inherent risks, reminding the public that vigilance and respect for nature’s power are paramount for safety.
image source from：civilbeat
