Mayor Mufi Hannemann will sign a proclamation for National Beach Safety Week in his Honolulu Hale office at 11 a.m. May 25. Immediately after that he will recognize several water safety officers for their recent outstanding acts of courage and bravery.

"Thousands of visitors as well as residents are drawn to our beaches and waters each year," said Hannemann, in a news release. "I am proud to say that the city's lifeguards, who protect all beachgoers on O'ahu, are being recognized as some of the best nationally as well as internationally."

Ralph Goto, administrator for the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division, agrees: "Our water safety officers work tirelessly to maintain beach and water safety standards far above normal levels but we also see this as an opportunity to educate the public about proper beach and ocean safety procedures."

The Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division and the Emergency Medical Services Division, which provides ambulance services on O'ahu, together constitute the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.