The Kauaʻi County Council passed a resolution on Wednesday formally recognizing ocean lifeguards as first responders, a designation supporters say reflects the reality of their role on the front lines of emergency response.
The measure, which was heard in the Council Chambers in Līhuʻe, acknowledges the critical work performed daily by lifeguards with the county’s Ocean Safety Bureau, who often are the first to arrive at water-related emergencies.
The Kauaʻi proposal comes as the Hawaiʻi State Legislature passed a similar measure on Monday.
Although lifeguards are widely known as frontline emergency personnel, they are not classified as first responders under state law. These resolutions aim to address the gap.
Supporters of the resolution say lifeguards routinely provide lifesaving services, including rescues, first aid and emergency response in dangerous ocean conditions, yet are not always officially classified alongside police, fire and emergency medical personnel.
Laola Aea, president of the Kaua’i Lifeguard Association, said lifeguards also handled around 54,000 preventive measures each year in the state.
“I 100 percent support the Resolution to have these first-responders designated as true first-responders,” Aea said.
The resolution will recognize lifeguards nationwide as public first responders, rather than only within the state.
Despite its smaller population, Kaua‘i ranked among the highest in the state for drownings and incidents, even compared to much larger O‘ahu. At the same time, nearly half of Hawai‘i’s children do not know how to swim, lifeguards noted in their testimony.
Lifeguard Chance Swanson, who was attacked by a shark last year, said: “I have been rescued by lifeguards.”
He added: “A couple of years ago, on the West side, I cut my knee open pretty good. Phil and Eric responded to me and got me care for my knee, and then on November 5th of last year, I was attacked by a shark, and they were first on scene and tied a tourniquet on my leg that saved my life. I’m very grateful and thankful. I love these guys.”
