New Water Safety Roving Patrol Unit Blessed Friday

The Kaua‘i Fire Department, Ocean Safety Bureau, and the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association held a blessing for the Wanini Roving Patrol Unit at ‘Anini Beach Park on Friday. Photo courtesy of County of Kaua‘i

The Kaua‘i Fire Department, the KFD Ocean Safety Bureau and the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association held a blessing for the Wanini Roving Patrol Unit at ‘Anini Beach Park last Friday, according to a county news release.

“To our brave hearts in the Ocean Safety Bureau, our Fire Department, our public safety officials, we want to thank you for being the guardians of our very special places and to our keiki and kupuna,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in front of a crowd of about 50 people Friday. “We couldn’t get this done without the generosity of the public and our County Council.”

On Feb. 1, Kawakami signed Bill 2731, enacting the Kaua‘i Fire Department to create two new ocean safety officer positions, and one part-time ocean safety officer position. These positions will support and improve the level of service needed at ‘Anini Beach Park.

The roving unit includes two new ocean safety officer positions, and one part-time ocean safety officer position. Photo courtesy of County of Kaua‘i

The additional support will ensure that the Wanini Roving Patrol Unit will provide much needed coverage with additional eyes at sea.

According to the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association, lifeguards with the Ocean Safety Bureau in 2018 conducted 282 rescues, administered first aid 6,280 times, and was responsible for over 157,000 preventive actions.

For up-to-date information about ocean conditions, please speak to a county lifeguard or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984.

Mayor Derek Kawakami (middle), accompanied by Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Kalani Vierra (left) and Kaua‘i Fire Department Deputy Chief Kilipaki Vaughan (right), addresses a crowd of about 50 people at ‘Anini Beach Park on Friday. Photo courtesy of County of Kaua‘i