Please Swim Near A Lifeguard (continued) (Both of these deadly incidents took place at unguarded beaches.). We have rescue tube stations nearby. On our social media sites (www.kauailifeguards.org and @kauailifeguards) we offer specific warnings about the hazard of frolicking in a rivermouth area, and as I write we are very near to installing a safety-information kiosk at the Lumahai rivermouth parking area, one that clearly shows the hazard and one that we hope will be effective. There are many Kauai rivermouths that drain into the ocean. Lumahai and Rock Quarry were this week’s disaster spots. There are similar set-ups at Anini, Kalihiwai, Anahola, Kealia, Wailua, Marine Camp, Kalapaki, Hanakapiai. Undoubtedly there are others that I’m forgetting. The degree of hazard can vary, depending on such things as the amount of inland rainfall (i.e.making for a strong
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outward river current), and the sea conditions. This brings us to a problem with having a permanent sign saying “Dangerous Current” or “Dangerous Shorebreak,” since it can look ridiculous and therefore lose all credibility on a day that the ocean is calm as a bathtub. Which is why we emphasize “Please swim near a Lifeguard.” They can talk with you about the hazards that day, or maybe the lack of hazards that day. And they can watch you. And they can rescue you if need be. The plan of course is that a rescue won’t be necessary since the swimmer will be well informed about what not to do and where not to venture. I’ll wrap this piece up on a much brighter note. We recently had a young man, a visitor from Colorado, swept out by the Kealia Rivermouth current. This area is around 300 yards from the Kealia Tower. The young man’s father saw him floating face
