Lifeguard shifts at select Kaua‘i beaches to expand hours

Hours of operation at lifeguarded beaches will extend to 10 hours, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting May 1.

“To reduce the number of drownings and aquatic injuries across our island, these extended hours of coverage will enhance the safety of our residences and visitors who visit our beautiful beaches,” said Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Kalani Vierra.

Kaua‘i will be the first county to have these full-time extended hours of coverage for its entire Ocean Safety Bureau program.

Vierra said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami’s approval of 12 full-time positions to the ocean to the Ocean Safety Bureau made this a reality.

“This transition comes at a good time as our days are getting longer and summer months are almost here,” he added.

For up-to-date information about ocean conditions and ocean safety, speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit https://safebeachday.com/, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.