This was my first trip to a beach with waves like that. I did not know what I was up against. Yes, the lifeguards probably saw me, playing in the waves in the shallow waters, prior to my injury. Oh well! I have two photos of the event. One just before I pushed up into the wave, and one with me inside the wave being turned upside down. I'm still in a neck brace, and still in a bunch of pain, but I'm walking and doing some driving. I'm alive, and working to pay the emergency care bills.
It is becoming most apparent that the current life guard approach is ineffective. The injury rate appears to be consistent with that prior to their arrival in May of 2009.
Original plans presented to me in 2004 called for three towers in the style of those on Kamaole Beach Park. A program of prevention was the key. Working from these positions on the beach life guards would be able to interact directly with the unknowing tourist .
I ignored this audio warning last Friday, and I ended up with a cracked spine, lots of back pain, and a 40-minute ride to the hospital in an ambulance. Thought I was dead or paralyzed for sure. Don't boogie board into the waves in the shallow water at big beach!!!!
You have corresponded with me regarding this situation. My take on it is that you did not "ignore" the warnings from the lifeguards but rather did not understand how to respond to what the warning was about. The lifeguards sit in their towers and make pronouncements that are misleading. You were in effect set up! It is ironic that the presence of lifeguards has increased the number of injuries while destroying the natural ambiance of the beach.
@DrLeisure1 I don't know how you can call those warnings "misleading". How you "respond" is, do what the lifeguard asked you to do if unsure. "Go See The Lifeguard And Ask Questions". How hard is that? You also need just a tiny weeny bit of common sense. That never hurts.
This was my first trip to a beach with waves like that. I did not know what I was up against. Yes, the lifeguards probably saw me, playing in the waves in the shallow waters, prior to my injury. Oh well! I have two photos of the event. One just before I pushed up into the wave, and one with me inside the wave being turned upside down. I'm still in a neck brace, and still in a bunch of pain, but I'm walking and doing some driving. I'm alive, and working to pay the emergency care bills.
okieokieken 2 years ago
It is becoming most apparent that the current life guard approach is ineffective. The injury rate appears to be consistent with that prior to their arrival in May of 2009.
Original plans presented to me in 2004 called for three towers in the style of those on Kamaole Beach Park. A program of prevention was the key. Working from these positions on the beach life guards would be able to interact directly with the unknowing tourist .
Unfortunately this program was not implemented.
DrLeisure1 2 years ago
I ignored this audio warning last Friday, and I ended up with a cracked spine, lots of back pain, and a 40-minute ride to the hospital in an ambulance. Thought I was dead or paralyzed for sure. Don't boogie board into the waves in the shallow water at big beach!!!!
okieokieken 2 years ago
You have corresponded with me regarding this situation. My take on it is that you did not "ignore" the warnings from the lifeguards but rather did not understand how to respond to what the warning was about. The lifeguards sit in their towers and make pronouncements that are misleading. You were in effect set up! It is ironic that the presence of lifeguards has increased the number of injuries while destroying the natural ambiance of the beach.
DrLeisure1 2 years ago
@DrLeisure1 I don't know how you can call those warnings "misleading". How you "respond" is, do what the lifeguard asked you to do if unsure. "Go See The Lifeguard And Ask Questions". How hard is that? You also need just a tiny weeny bit of common sense. That never hurts.
surfn07 1 year ago
Sorry to read of this, Bro'. Are you OK now?
GimmeKitty 2 years ago