Honolulu is navigating a new chapter in ocean safety with Kurt Lager at the helm. Officially sworn in this past December after serving as interim chief for nearly two years, Lager is the first commission-appointed Chief of Ocean Safety in the department’s history. His appointment marks a significant shift, solidifying the Ocean Safety department as a standalone entity with dedicated resources, and bringing a focused approach to protecting beachgoers and responding to emergencies along Oʻahu’s coastline.
Lager’s primary challenge lies in strategically allocating those resources. With drowning being the leading cause of death for children in Hawaiʻi – the state holds the second-highest drowning rate in the nation after Alaska, according to data from the Honolulu Civil Beat – effective deployment of lifeguards and equipment is paramount. What we have is particularly crucial given the increasing popularity of certain beaches, often driven by social media trends, which can strain existing coverage.
The department isn’t starting from scratch. Lager, a 20-year veteran of Honolulu Ocean Safety, joined the team in 2005 with certifications in scuba, cliff, and swift-water rescue. He’s witnessed a significant evolution in the department’s approach, noting a shift from reactive responses to a more proactive stance. “We’re way more proactive now,” Lager told the Honolulu Civil Beat, reflecting on the changes he’s observed over the past two decades.
Addressing Staffing and Retention Challenges
Whereas Honolulu doesn’t struggle to attract lifeguards, retaining them presents a persistent hurdle. The starting pay is $25.06 per hour, but opportunities for significant advancement are limited, leading many to pursue careers in fields like fire service, emergency medical services, and higher education, particularly given Hawaiʻi’s high cost of living. Lager acknowledges this challenge and is prioritizing efforts to improve incentives, including the creation of mid-level management positions. The lifeguard force has already more than doubled during his tenure, growing from approximately 30-40 personnel to around 70, necessitating improved management structures.
“It’s a lot more people for a single captain to manage and glance after,” Lager explained, highlighting the need for a more robust organizational framework to support the expanded team. He’s also focused on elevating the department’s pay scale, recognizing the importance of competitive compensation in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, even as the mayor’s office anticipates a flat city budget.
Modernizing Ocean Safety with Technology and Proactive Measures
Lager is also championing the integration of technology to enhance the department’s capabilities. Plans are underway to replace traditional pen-and-paper record-keeping in lifeguard towers with iPads, streamlining data collection and incident reporting. The department is exploring the use of drones and AI-powered cameras for increased surveillance, providing a broader and more efficient overview of the coastline. These initiatives build on a recent expansion of lifeguard infrastructure; in 2023, Ocean Safety erected its first new lifeguard tower in over a decade in response to a surge in popularity at a previously under-monitored beach, as reported by Honolulu Civil Beat.
Beyond technology, Lager is committed to bolstering drowning prevention education, particularly for children aged 1-15, the demographic most at risk. This proactive approach extends to the department’s existing practices, where lifeguards routinely engage with beachgoers, ensuring they have appropriate equipment like fins and possess the necessary experience for prevailing wave conditions. They even proactively patrol the water at sunset to inform swimmers of the end of lifeguard shifts.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Kurt Lager as the first commission-appointed Chief of Ocean Safety signals a renewed commitment to prioritizing ocean safety in Honolulu. While budgetary constraints and staffing challenges remain, Lager’s focus on proactive measures, technological advancements, and personnel development positions the department to effectively address the evolving needs of Oʻahu’s beachgoers. The success of these initiatives will be crucial in maintaining Hawaiʻi’s long-standing tradition of valuing and protecting its lifeguards, a vital component of both public safety and the state’s tourism-driven economy.
What challenges will Lager face as he implements these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone interested in ocean safety and the future of Honolulu’s lifeguard services.
