Hawaii's Innovation in Ocean Rescues . . .

Use of the Personal Watercraft
and "Rescue Sled"

The personal watercraft has been in use as an effective ocean rescue vehicle on O`ahu and the other islands of Hawai`i since 1989. This apparatus has numerous advantages: speed, maneuverability, stability, quick launch from a variety of sites, ability to operate in nearly all types of surf conditions. Maintenance is easy; fuel efficiency is considerable. The craft also has a few disadvantages that are maintenance and environment related. But, other than over-aeration in the ocean creating poor throttle response, the apparatus is a good, consistent "work horse."

To date, in Hawai`i, the Yamaha Waverunner® <sup>tm</sup> III is still the craft of choice for "in the surf" rescue work. The hull design allows for sufficient maneuverability, " surf ability" and speed to cope with the very challenging surf conditions here in Hawai`i. Its 650cc motor (approximately 50HP) provides the power necessary to transport the craft operator (driver), crew person and one or more victims to safety under the most demanding of conditions.

We hope to acquire later models with more power as they become available. The power should provide an added margin of safety by making more low-end power, and consequently, improved "hole-shot" acceleration available.

Despite all of its positive attributes, the craft alone is not a fully practical piece of rescue equipment in the surf environment. The success in applying this new technology to surf lifesaving techniques lies in the invention of the rescue sled. The sled was prototyped by former Ocean Safety Captain Brian Keaulana and Ocean Safety Officer Terry Ahue and was a natural outgrowth of their "cutting-edge" experimentation with the personal watercraft in ocean rescues.

Use of the sled enables the victim being placed safely on board at water level quickly, effectively and efficiently. The craft operator is left free to concentrate on maneuvering the craft safely in and out of the surf zone. The craft's crew person, lying securely on the rescue sled, is responsible for getting the victim onto the sled and holding the victim securely there for the ride to shore.

The rescue sled is about 5'6" long, 4" thick and just less than the width of the watercraft. There are handles along the upper sides and front of the sled which the victim and crew member can hold. It is made of body board ("boogie" board) materials, adequately reinforced, generally with fiberglass, for strength. But the sled also has a soft skin to cushion any unintended hard contact with rescuers or victims during rescue efforts.

An important detail is the precise manner in which the sled is attached behind the craft. This is significant as the maneuverability and performance of the craft and stability of the sled can be effected.

At least one rescue craft is daily deployed to each of the four ocean safety geographical districts. Their immediate area of responsibility covers an average 10 miles of coastline - generally, the stretch connecting the guarded beaches of that district. Often they are called upon to perform rescues at remote unguarded beach areas, particularly in the North Shore and West Shore ocean safety Districts, which extends their effective patrol range to some 40 miles of coastline.

Deployment of one rescue craft unit, seven days a week, requires three full-time positions, when allowing for two personnel to be assigned to unit per day. An estimation of expenses for initial year of operation is as follows, in 1996 US$:

Personnel Costs:

• Three (3) Operators at US$30,000 per year -- US$90,000
• Indirect Overhead Cost ca. @50% -- US$45,000

Equipment Costs:

1. Mobile Equipment Costs:

• One (1) Rescue Craft (Waverunner® ^tm III)-- US$8,000
• One (1) Rescue Sled -- US$1,800
• One (1) Road Trailer -- US$1,400
• One (1) "Big Foot"® ^tm Beach Dolly -- US$1000
• One (1) Rescue Patrol Vehicle (4X4 Pickup) -- US$25,000

2. Rescue Equipment Costs:

• One (1) Motorola Saber® ^tm Radio -- US$2,500
• Radio Harness & Waterproof Pouch -- US$100
• Helmet (Gath® ^tm ) With Visor -- US$200 Each Operator
• Uniforms and Wetsuits -- US$1,000 Each Operator
• Miscellaneous Equipment (Knives, Ropes, Fins, etc.) -- US$800 Each Operator

We have prepared a training manual - in separate student and instructor's versions - that may be ordered at cost + shipping. Please click here for additional information on these manuals. To order these manuals, please click here.

For Additional Information, Please Contact:
Ralph S. Goto
Ocean Safety Administrator
Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division
3823 Leahi Avenue
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96815 USA
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Telephone: +1 (808) 922-3888
Facsimile: +1 (808) 922-0411

E-mail to: "Ralph S. Goto" <lifeguards@aloha.com>

HERE ARE SOME
BASIC OCEAN SAFETY TIPS:

• Swim in Lifeguarded Areas
• Never Swim Alone
• Don't Dive Into Unknown Water or Into Shallow Breaking Waves
• Ask a Lifeguard About Beach and Surf Conditions Before Swimming
• If You Are Unable to Swim Out of a Strong Current, Signal for Help
• Rely on Your Swimming Ability Rather Than a Flotation Device
• Look For, Read and Obey All Beach Safety Signs and Symbols
• If In Doubt Just Stay Out!

Return to the Hale (Home) Aloha Page. You can also use the following links to continue your beach and ocean tour of Oahu's North Shore , South Shore , East Shore , or West Shore .

Or, you can go to the Beach Directory for a listing of all the beaches covered in these pages.

Suggestions, comments and recommendations are welcomed. These pages are a project of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association , a not for profit, professional association of Hawaii's lifeguards devoted to the advancement of lifesaving services and public education on beach and ocean safety.

Webmaster : This page is maintained by J. B. Lee . You can reach me by e-mail at: jblee@aloha.com. Last modified: 30-Jan-2002 04:39 PM HST

Aloha . . . malama i ke kai!