Kauai County installs new lifeguard tower at Wanini Beach

News admin October 16, 2026 0 Comments

Kauai County installs new lifeguard tower at Wanini Beach

WANINI (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new lifeguard tower was installed at Wanini Beach Thursday.

Lifeguards from the Kauai Fire Department’s Ocean Safety Bureau are now stationed at the tower daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The new tower replaces the roving patrol the bureau has used to cover the area since the 2018 North Shore floods and landslides, which has limited access beyond Hanalei.

County officials said the beach is home to the “Back Channel,” an area known for strong currents and a history of drownings.

“Our lifeguards are often the first line of protection for residents and visitors at our beaches,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami. “This tower gives them a safer place to work and a clearer view of the water at one of the North Shore’s most challenging spots. Mahalo to our Ocean Safety team for their persistence in getting this done.”

The new tower also gives lifeguards a higher vantage point to watch the ocean conditions and respond to emergencies while also providing shelter from rain, wind and sun during long shifts, the county said.

“This tower represents years of dedication, perseverance, and our commitment to protecting lives,” said Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Kalani Vierra.

Built out of aluminum, the $103,000 tower was purchased from Bausch Enterprises Inc. of Stuart, Florida. It was installed by Kauai lifeguards Kleve Zarbaugh, Gerald Hurd, Tyrus Siale, Eric Pereza, Christopher Davis and Zackery Harris, with help from Department of Public Works staff Bryson Cummings, Lance Edralin and Brannon Rivera.

The county said it will hold a blessing for the tower at a later date.

Lifeguards remind the public to swim near a lifeguard, and beachgoers can view daily ocean conditions online here. For more, contact the Ocean Safety Bureau at (808) 241-4984.