A jet ski stationed at Kailua Beach can now quickly reach anyone caught in an ocean emergency or in need of a rescue.
At the first call for help, lifeguards at Kailua Beach Park can now call in a new tool.
To quickly reach swimmers in distress.
This time, it’s only a test, and I’m the one in need of a rescue from Ocean Safety’s jet ski.
"We’ve been waiting 15-20 years for this to happen."
The new top of the line rescue watercraft has been operating in Windward Oahu for 3 months, and can quickly maneuver between Mokapu and Makapuu, a 15 mile stretch of coastline.
Jim Howe, Ocean Safety Chief said, "it used to be we were responding from sandy beach which would be 40min-1 hour, we can now respond to kailua and waimanalo bay these offshore islands within this 4-6 minute time frame."
Lifeguards say those short minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
As demonstrated, compared to a lifeguard on a paddle board, the jet ski’s response time is now 10-times faster.
Tony Ho with Ocean Safety said, "already we’ve had over 60 rescue assists, 6 first aids, 1 body recovery, the plusses on it are unbelievable."
Lifeguards no longer have to rely on air and boat assets from the Honolulu Fire Department for help.. which cuts down on costs.
And the jet ski can do patrols and perform rescues in areas that had been previously hard to access.
"There was no possibility of them responding out to the Mokulua islands in any kind of a fashion that would make a difference," said Howe.
Ocean Safety says jet ski operators must go through 200-hours of additional training. And they will now be wearing red uniforms, while lifeguards on the beach will be in yellow.
"That’s affirmative, pull in through the bay."
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
