Kauaʻi Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau completed installation Thursday of a new lifeguard tower at the North Shore’s Wanini Beach.
“Our lifeguards are often the first line of protection for residents and visitors at our beaches,” said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami. “This tower gives them a safer place to work and a clearer view of the water at one of the North Shore’s most challenging spots.”
Lifeguards will be stationed at the new tower 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days a week.
It replaces a roving patrol Ocean Safety Bureau previously used to cover the area in the aftermath of the 2018 North Shore floods and landslides, which limited access beyond Hanalei and pushed more beachgoers to beaches that remained open.
Wanini Beach is home to the “Back Channel,” an area known for strong currents with a history of drownings.
The $103,000 aluminum tower was purchased from Bausch Enterprises of Stuart, Fla. It gives lifeguards a higher vantage point to watch ocean conditions and respond to emergencies while providing shelter from rain, wind and sun during long shifts.
It was installed in-house by Ocean Safety Bureau lifeguards Kleve Zarbaugh, Gerald Hurd, Tyrus Siale, Eric Pereza, Christopher Davis and Zackery Harris, with help from Kauaʻi County Department of Public Works staff Bryson Cummings, Lance Edralin and Brannon Rivera.
“This tower represents years of dedication, perseverance and our commitment to protecting lives,” said Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Kalani Vierra. “Our lifeguards now have a better vantage point to monitor ocean conditions, respond to emergencies and serve our community and visitors.”
A blessing for the tower will be hosted at a later date.
Beachgoers are reminded to swim near a lifeguard and check online for daily ocean conditions.
