Lifeguards getting new, taller towers
Photos by Kyle Sackowski • The Honolulu Advertiser
The new lifeguard towers, left, will be taller than the old ones, above, and will have a wraparound lanai that offers better visibility for those on duty.
By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Bureau
SANDY BEACH — By the end of the week, the venerable orange wooden lifeguard stand at the east end of Sandy Beach will be replaced by a modern, sand-colored fiberglass tower with tinted windows.
In short order, Waimanalo and then Kailua Beach will receive new towers as part of a five-year program to replace towers around the island. These first three towers are the culmination of three years of effort to better protect lifeguards, make them more visible and more approachable.
"We're hopeful they'll be in by the end of this week," said lifeguard acting Lt. Ron Bregman.
The city is installing the first tower at Sandy Beach, a popular bodysurfing spot, because it is a high-use, high-accident zone. After the first three are put in, four more are planned: at Sunset Beach, Ehukai Beach, Bellows Beach and a second one at Sandy Beach, said Salvatore Lanzilotti, director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.
"We want to ring the island over the next five years," Lanzilotti said. "These towers provide a great view and protect the guards from the elements. It's a great improvement."
The new towers will be taller than the old wooden ones and have a wrap-around lanai that gives lifeguards better visibility, while protecting them from the rain, sun and wind. Some of the towers are designed for two lifeguards and some for one. But all have covered decks that make lifeguards more approachable to the public, Bregman said.
"We can work on one of our objectives, which is to educate and warn the public of the conditions before their activities put them in danger," said Bregman.
In 1999, the city began budgeting for the towers and allotted $200,000, which will pay for five towers. Another $200,000 approved last year and available in July will provide an additional five to seven towers. Eventually, the city will replace all 36 towers on O'ahu, Lanzilotti said.
The old towers have been in service for more than 20 years. Their paint is peeling and the steel poles are rusting. Lifeguards say the old towers will not be missed.
