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Ocean Safety reports new Makena tower, Junior Lifeguard enrollment and seven drownings at unguarded beaches
Summary
Ocean Safety Chief Zach Edlao said a replacement lifeguard tower for Makena has arrived and installation is planned; the Junior Lifeguard program registered over 500 youth and the department recorded seven drownings so far this year, all at unguarded beaches.
Ocean Safety Chief Zach Edlao updated the commission on lifeguard operations and training. He said the new Makena lifeguard tower has been delivered and stickers applied; Public Works will be contacted to begin installation and the department expects the switch‑out in the coming weeks. Edlao also said a second tower contract is under way with a projected delivery of roughly 18 months.
On programming, Edlao reported more than 500 youth registered across Maui County for the Junior Lifeguard season and noted the department’s adoption of Watchtower data software to centralize incident and attendance tracking. He said drownings reported so far this year—seven in total—occurred at unguarded beaches, and Ocean Safety is working with tourism and community partners on education and volunteer staffing on high‑risk days.
