60-418: Edward Ryan Makuahanai Aikau (May 4, 1946 – March 17, 1978) was a Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer . As the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu , he saved over 500 people and became famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf, winning several awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship . The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational ("The Eddie") is named in his honor. He
120-736: A jet ski , the latter towed on a surfboard ) to the speed of a large, fast wave. It is also partially in response to the controversy over the "unnaturalness" of tow-in surfing ; many surfers feel that being towed in to a wave, as opposed to paddling, is against the spirit of the sport. Other variations of the phrase include "Eddie would throw" (in support of the University of Hawaii 's passing attack by Colt Brennan and Timmy Chang under head coach June Jones ), "Eddie wouldn't crow" (in opposition to boastful and egotistical surfers), and "Eddie would hoe" (in support of Native Hawaiian agricultural outreach programs). Another variation used recently during
180-403: A clear basis for preventing drowning which includes: The lifeguard is able to provide all these elements to help prevent drownings (or other incidents) in their area of responsibility, and for this reason this should be the primary focus of a lifeguard's activities, as it is better to stop an incident from occurring rather than reacting once it has occurred. This means that the effectiveness of
240-639: A division of the California State Parks Peace Officer department, perform law enforcement duties in addition to regular lifeguard tasks. Every lifeguard has to undergo a certification course in order to be able to work as a lifeguard. Certain certification companies, such as the Red Cross or Ellis and Associates, are in charge of the certification process. Certification usually lasts for 1–2 years, but can last up to 5. Classes last 25–30 hours and will generally be held over
300-464: A few days, with the hours per day varying depending on the number of days needed. At the end of the certification class, lifeguards are required to take a final exam, and will only receive a certificate if they pass the final exam. Lifeguards are then required to do additional training throughout the duration of their certification at the discretion of the facility they work for. Most skills taught in various lifeguard certification classes are similar or
360-507: A large circle. One of the participants, who was carrying a container with Foo's ashes, paddled into the center of the circle and placed the ashes into the ocean. A segment of the film Riding Giants documented Foo's death at Mavericks. Foo founded a hostel, Backpackers Hawaii, in Pupukea. The hostel's website maintains an online memorial for him. Foo helped elevate the popularity of the sport, with his talent, courage, and enthusiasm, and
420-451: A large rigid or inflatable boats , personal water crafts, or hovercraft . In Australia lifeguards are distinguished from surf life savers . Lifeguards are paid employees who patrol beaches, lakes and pools/aquatic venues. Beach lifeguards are usually employed by local government authorities and patrol the beach throughout the year. Surf Lifesavers are a large voluntary organization that patrol beaches on weekends and public holidays during
480-422: A leak in one of its hulls and later capsized about twelve miles (19 km) south of the island of Molokaʻi . In an attempt to get help, Aikau paddled toward Lānaʻi on his surfboard. Although the rest of the crew were later rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Cape Corwin , Aikau's body was never found. He removed his life jacket since it was hindering his paddling of the surfboard. The ensuing search for Aikau
540-446: A leash can cause the surfer to collide with the board in a wipe out, potentially causing head injuries, and that the leash can also loop around the arms, legs, or neck, dangerously restricting escape to safety or strangling the surfer. Quick-release Velcro leashes have since become standard surfing equipment to address some of these dangers. The debates continue to this day. American rock band Seventeen (later known as Lustra ) performed
600-401: A lifeguard unit can be measured not by the number or rapidity of rescues, or the skill with which they are executed, but by the absence or reduction of drownings , accidents , and other medical emergencies . Prevention is an effective skill that is vitally important to a lifeguard because it can aid in maintaining the safety of the aquatic patrons. A lifeguard's key duties (usually as part of
660-452: A more extensive advanced first aid that is known as Title 22 First Aid For Public Safety Personnel. Some lifeguards are crossed trained as emergency medical technicians as a part of their emergency services system. In certain jurisdictions, lifeguards may use airway adjuncts such as nasopharyngeal airways and oropharyngeal airways . Lifeguards will sometimes use rescue watercraft to rescue victims that are either far away or when there
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#1732801164712720-625: A precondition that open-ocean swells reach a minimum of 20 feet (6.1 m), which translates to a wave face height of over 30 feet (9.1 m). The first Eddie was held at Sunset Beach in 1985; in 1987, Eddie Aikau's younger brother Clyde Aikau won the Eddie after it moved to Waimea Bay); the most recent tournament was in January 2023, when waves in the bay reached 30 to 50 feet (15 m) high. The contest invites only 28 big-wave riders to participate in two rounds of competition. The event does not allow
780-450: A primary duty to supervise their responsibility area. To achieve this the lifeguard needs an optimum position to observe the public. This is often best achieved from an elevated position, which can be a chair, platform or the roof of a vehicle. This allows them maximum visibility over their supervised area and may facilitate communication between them and their team. Some lifeguard teams use portable platforms or chairs which can be moved to
840-495: A scenario meant to model real life, and vigilance awareness testing. Lifeguards also must be recertified regularly, as lifeguard certifications expire after some time. There are four main types of water entries: These entries are used in different scenarios depending on if the victim is passive, or conscious, whether they are in deep or shallow water, and if they have a potential head, neck or spinal injury. While performing patron surveillance (usually from an elevated stand or
900-571: A surfing accident at Mavericks , a big-wave surf location in Half Moon Bay , Northern California . Surfer magazine wrote that Foo was sleep-deprived after arriving in California on an overnight flight for the swell. During takeoff on a wave estimated at 18–20 feet ( Hawaiian scale ), Foo experienced a seemingly innocuous wipeout and drowned. The fateful wipeout was photographed from at least two angles, and shows him falling forward near
960-556: A team, but in some places, lifeguards may be required to work on their own) are to: Lifeguards may have other secondary duties such as cleaning, filing paperwork, checking a swimming pool's chlorine and pH levels, or acting as a general information point. It is important that lifeguards never allow their secondary responsibilities to interfere with their primary responsibilities. Lifeguards may also be required to attend occasional in-service meetings to discuss strategy, patron safety and water skills. The California State Lifeguards,
1020-487: A water-level standing or sitting position) lifeguards watch for and recognize struggling or drowning swimmers, and swimmers with sudden medical conditions such as a stroke, heart attack, asthma, diabetes, or seizures. Lifeguards look for swimmers in various categories and conditions: Lifeguards can be found patrolling many different types of water, and each type has its own unique features, duties and challenges. Locations where lifeguards can be found include: Lifeguards have
1080-656: A weak swimmer). Lifeguards are not there to prevent dangerous activities, however, some are trained to teach others how to swim as apart of their job. Glendale, California, lifeguards are trained to not only save lives and watch the water, but to also teach people how to swim. The Pacific Community Pool in Glendale, California not only has swimming lessons, but a swim and water-polo team. The responsibilities of lifeguards are expanded from saving lives to teaching others how to swim and to learn water sports, both of which are important to water safety. The drowning chain provides
1140-502: A well-stocked first aid kit available. They may have advanced first aid items such as supplemental oxygen , airway management devices, a suction device , a resuscitator , a defibrillator or AED , or a spinal board . Lifeguards are trained to contact EMS personnel immediately. If a drowning victim has been rescued the victim might need EMS attention or extensive medical treatment. Certain California lifeguards are trained in
1200-528: A whistle is used in the pool leisure facility (public and private), the following signals are used by some lifeguards with a whistle (It is always important to remember that each facility may have their own standards and procedures for their whistle protocol). For duty areas over a wide area, such as beaches and lakes, lifeguards may require transport over distance and they may use land transport including pick-up trucks , quad bikes , gators, or other off-road vehicle . They may also use larger water craft such as
1260-412: Is a rescuer who supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers , surfers , and other water sports participants such as in a swimming pool , water park , beach , spa , river and lake . Lifeguards are trained in swimming and CPR / AED first aid , certified in water rescue using a variety of aids and equipment depending on requirements of their particular venue. In some areas, lifeguards are part of
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#17328011647121320-426: Is large surf, i.e. big waves. Types of rescue watercraft: Effective communications are vital for lifeguards and they may choose to use whistles , two-way radios , megaphones or signal flares . A more traditional method of communication with the public is through the use of colored flags, which can be raised over permanent or temporary flag poles to inform the public of different information. More often than not
1380-406: Is often marked with a flag or flags to enable location by the public. These flags may also give information to the bathers about current swimming conditions. Other options, depending on the location, can include patrolling the edge of the water on foot, which allows closer interaction with the public, and the opportunity to provide face to face reassurance and advice, or supervising from within or on
1440-640: Is the responsibility of the owner of the place. Like the military police , responsible for ostensive policing, the members of the fire departments are also considered military, including lifeguards. The state military police and state fire departments are auxiliary institutions and reserves of the Brazilian Army . Considering the service provided by fire departments insufficient, some Brazilian cities have their own lifeguard services, but most Brazilian lifeguards are members of fire departments. In Canada, all lifeguards and assistant lifeguards are certified by
1500-708: The Lifesaving Society of Canada . The lifeguarding certification offered by the LSS is the National Lifeguard program, which was officially launched in 1964. There are four types of lifeguard certification: pool, waterpark , waterfront and surf. As of December 31, 2022, the Canadian Red Cross Lifeguard and Learn to Swim programs were retired. Canadian Red Cross wanted to focus their efforts on humanitarian relief. In Denmark
1560-615: The University of Hawaii . In 1977, Foo joined the IPS World Tour , a professional surfing tour. In the early 1980s, Foo quit the IPS World Tour and stopped competing. Foo's passion for surfing big waves led him to surf larger and larger swells. In 1983, he surfed Waimea Bay , a famous big-wave surfing spot on the North Shore of O'ahu, for the first time. But it was on January 18, 1986, when he ventured out into
1620-577: The emergency services system to incidents and in some communities, lifeguards may function as the primary EMS provider. A lifeguard is responsible for the safety of people in an area of water, and usually a defined area immediately surrounding or adjacent to it, such as a beach next to an ocean or lake. The priority is to ensure no harm comes to users of the area for which they are responsible. Lifeguards often take on this responsibility upon employment, However, there may also be volunteer lifeguards. The conditions resulting in drowning are summarized by
1680-413: The ' drowning chain ' in which each link can lead directly to an incident, or contribute to a succession of links. It consists of lack of education about water safety or local conditions, a lack of safety advice (for example, about rip currents at a beach) a lack of protection (like no flotation device for a weak swimmer), lack of safety supervision, or an inability to cope with conditions (strong surf with
1740-483: The 2008 election campaign for Skyline was the slogan, "Eddie would ride." Kailua-Kona, Hawaii musician Lopaka Rootz released a reggae single honoring Eddie Aikau called "Eddie." It debuted on Kapa Radio in December 2019. Rootzʻ music is played on Hawaiian radio station KWXX FM. Austin, Texas, band Full Service recorded a song about Eddie Aikau called "In A Rescue," found on their 2006 album "Recess." They performed
1800-573: The Belgian coast joined the IKWV This is the coordinating organisation for all the municipalities for lifeguard service. The organisation of IKWV has made the Belgian coastline one of the safest coastlines of the world in a couple decades. In Brazil , firefighting services, accident assistance, and the rescue of people drowning on beaches, rivers, and lakes are maintained by each state's fire department. The rescue of drowning people in private places
1860-576: The United Kingdom National Pool Lifeguard Qualification . The standard requires scanning from one side of the pool to the other, or the designated area, in 10 seconds, with the lifeguard no further than 20 seconds away from any swimmer in difficulty in the lifeguard's area. In most countries, lifeguards use similar flag signs to signal swimmers their presence, specific areas and possible dangers: Equipment used by lifeguards will vary depending on
Eddie Aikau - Misplaced Pages Continue
1920-660: The animated movie Surf's Up is loosely based on Eddie's life and mysterious death. On May 4, 2019, what would have been his 73rd birthday, he was honored with a Google Doodle . In 2022, Aikau was featured in Naomi Hirahara 's anthology We Are Here: 30 Inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Shaped the United States that was published by the Smithsonian Institution and Running Press Kids . Lifeguard A lifeguard
1980-449: The bay with waves that onlookers said were in excess of 60 feet, that he rose to fame. When Foo fell off the overhanging ledge, the crashing wave broke his surfboard and tossed him into the water. Foo had to be rescued by a nearby helicopter, yet he emerged from the crash unharmed. He sent the story to various surfing magazines, but failed in the attempt to raise his surfing status to that of a " demigod ." On December 23, 1994, Foo died in
2040-564: The beaches between Sunset and Haleiwa . Not one life was lost while he served as lifeguard of Waimea Bay , as he braved waves that often reached 30 feet (9.1 m) high or more, and saved the lives of more than 500 swimmers. In 1971, Aikau was named Lifeguard of the Year. In 1977 Aikau won the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship . On February 28, 1978, TV producer John Orland
2100-430: The bottom of the wave. The most popular presumption is that Foo's surf leash had become entangled on the rocks, with the rushing currents of a second wave passing overhead preventing him from disengaging his ankle strap and getting to the surface. This theory was further validated when professional surfer Mike Parsons , who wiped out on the following wave, said that he came into contact with something, possibly Foo, as he
2160-432: The certification company the aquatic facility follows. For example, a beach facility may practice beachfront saves and search-and-rescue scenarios, where an indoor pool facility whose lifeguards are responsible for the whole building may practice scenarios that simulate emergencies in different parts of the building. These in-service trainings are meant to serve as practice in order to maintain and develop skills taught during
2220-513: The certification process. Examples of these trainings include First Aid/CPR/AED skill review and Aquatic Emergency Action Plan Drills. Additionally, some certification companies outside of the facility may audit or examine lifeguards during their rotations. These visits are meant to serve as both a test of preparedness and also as a learning experience and a chance to improve on weaker skills. Visits are generally unannounced and may include videoing of on-duty lifeguards, skills evaluations involving
2280-400: The certification process. These prerequisites will usually include a mid-distance swim, a timed water tread, and diving for a weighted brick at the bottom of the pool. Many aquatic facilities will have their lifeguards undergo additional Lifeguard Training Classes for the duration of their certification. The nature and frequency of these additional training depends on the aquatic facility and
2340-499: The councils at the Zealand Northshore. In Copenhagen there is Team Bade lifeguard service, run by Copenhagen Municipality. All public pools (both commercial and government) are required to "provide a secure and safe environment" and thus lifeguards. Unlike the beach lifeguards, these have to pass a government approved test as well as a yearly a physical examination and first aid test. Mark Foo Mark Sheldon Foo
2400-687: The death by drowning at the Belgian coast. Because the North Sea only borders Flanders , more particularly the province of West Flanders , the training of the lifeguards is organised by that province. Beach lifeguards in Belgium are trained by the WOBRA and are mostly students who are employed for a month during the summer holidays (July and August). Some municipalities also employ lifeguards in June and September. To obtain uniformity, all municipalities from
2460-409: The effectiveness of a rescue, and this dictates the types of rescue aids that a lifeguard should have available. Lifeguards are supposed to have some equipment to aid rescues. After determining a swimmer is in trouble they try to help in ways that will not result in a threat to the life of the lifeguard or others. This is done by helping at a distance by using a pole; a lifebuoy may be thrown, wading to
Eddie Aikau - Misplaced Pages Continue
2520-420: The few surf-related films to ever receive such recognition. Eddie's story was humorously (and respectfully) told by comedian Kurt Braunohler in a second-season episode of Drunk History that was dedicated to Hawaiian history, which aired on August 12, 2014. Eddie's story was told by Karen Kilgariff on episode 160 of the podcast My Favorite Murder , which aired February 14, 2019. The character of Z in
2580-449: The first Eddie contest. The waves were huge and the conditions were extremely dangerous. While the contest organizers were discussing whether to put it on, Mark Foo looked at the conditions and said "Eddie would go." The phrase stuck. Another variation of the aforementioned popular phrase is "Eddie wouldn't tow." This phrase is in reference to the method of big wave surfing in which one surfer must accelerate another surfer (the former on
2640-409: The lifeguard-services are divided into two major groups. The beach lifeguards, which are established on a voluntarily basis by the beach administrators (in most cases the municipality ). There are three main lifeguard service providers, one heavily sponsored: TrygFonden Kystlivredning, which is backed by TrygFonden (Danish Foundation) while Den Nordsjællandske Kystlivredningstjeneste are sponsored by
2700-451: The location and specific conditions encountered. Certain equipment is relatively universal such as a whistle for attracting the attention of the public or other members of the team, a first aid kit and rescue aids. Other equipment includes, but is not limited to, rescue cans, rescue tubes, rescue boards, spinal boards, AEDs, trauma bags, and oxygen. There is a hierarchy of rescue techniques which minimizes danger to lifeguards and maximizes
2760-453: The most appropriate position. This can take account of changes such as a specific activity taking place, prevailing wind direction or simply enable lifeguards to move closer to the water if the tide goes out on a beach. The chair or tower can also act as storage for the lifeguard, holding important rescue and communication equipment nearby. It can also act as a recognizable point for the public to find lifeguard assistance. For this reason, it
2820-531: The same, but some skills may vary minorly based on the certification company. Additionally, different in-water skills will be taught depending on the facility certifying the lifeguard, i.e., shallow/deep water pools, water parks, beaches, etc. Training equipment required in certification classes include: Some of the various out-of-water skills taught are: Some of the various in-water skills taught are: Most lifeguard certification companies require potential lifeguards to demonstrate strong swimming skills prior to
2880-506: The shorebreak of Kahului Harbor. He moved to Oʻahu with his family in 1959, and at the age of 16 left school and started working at the Dole pineapple cannery; the paycheck allowed Aikau to buy his first surfboard. In 1968, he became the first lifeguard hired by the City & County of Honolulu to work on the North Shore. The City & County of Honolulu gave Aikau the task of covering all of
2940-553: The song at the Full Service Circus in May 2013. Sam George , an ex-professional surfer, directed a 30 for 30 documentary about Aikau called Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau . Produced by filmmaker Agi Orsi, the documentary premiered on ESPN on October 1, 2013. The documentary produced for television details Aikau's life from childhood to his death and won an Emmy for Best Sports Documentary Series, making it one of
3000-532: The surfboard to a belt on the surfers ankle. Proponents defend the leash as a useful convenience and insurance against losing the surfboard, which serves as flotation device in the case of a " wipe out ." They also assert that the leash is a means for a fallen surfer to find his way to surface air by following the leash cord to the floating surfboard on the water's surface. There are also surfers who believe that Foo's surfboard leash may have caused or contributed to his death. Opponents of leashes in big surf assert that
3060-542: The use of jet skis to tow surfers into the waves. In the 1980s, bumper stickers and T-shirts with the phrase "Eddie Would Go" spread around the Hawaiian Islands and to the rest of the world. According to maritime historian Mac Simpson, "Aikau was a legend on the North Shore, pulling people out of waves that no one else would dare to. That's where the saying came from – Eddie would go, when no one else would or could. Only Eddie dared." The phrase originated during
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#17328011647123120-520: The victim, using available watercraft, swim with an aid, such as a rescue buoy . As a last resort, direct swimming to the apparent victim. In addition to these basic lifeguarding techniques, some units are trained in additional water rescue techniques such as scuba diving and swift water training, or in rescue techniques unrelated to water rescue such as abseiling for cliff rescue and bike patrol training, and they will carry appropriate equipment for these. Lifeguards are proficient in first aid and have
3180-436: The warmer months (usually from mid-September to late April) and also perform public training of kids, the nippers , as well as competitions, such as surf carnivals or winter swimming events. Belgium has a coastline with a length of 68 kilometres (42 mi). The coast is urbanised over practically its entire length and is visited by thousands of tourists each year. In 1982 a lifeguard service has been built up to minimize
3240-407: The water, which is most applicable in open water (such as the sea or even a large water park) where lifeguards can use boats or other personal watercraft to be in the water, which extends their range and may allow quicker response to emergencies. The 10/20 Protection Standard is a technique developed by safety consultants Jeff Ellis and Associates, and taught to lifeguards on many courses including
3300-729: Was a professional surfer who favored big wave surfing . Foo drowned while surfing at Mavericks , Half Moon Bay , California, in 1994. Mark Foo was born in Singapore on February 5, 1958, to Colonel Charlie and Lorna Foo, Chinese photojournalists for the U.S. Information Agency . The family relocated to Hawaii when Foo was 10. He spent his early childhood surfing the South Shore of O'ahu , and continued surfing throughout his teenage years. His family moved several times during his adolescence but ultimately returned to Hawaii just before Foo finished high school. He studied for two years at
3360-692: Was also a crew member on the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa . Born in Kahului , Maui , Aikau was the second child of Solomon and Henrietta Aikau. The words Makua Hanai in Eddie Aikau's full name means feeding parent , an adoptive, nurturing, fostering parent, in the Hawaiian language . He was a descendant of Hewahewa , the kahuna nui (high priest) of King Kamehameha I and his successor Kamehameha II . Aikau first learned how to surf on
3420-441: Was recognized as one of the greatest big-wave surfers of all time. Mark was a favorite subject of photographers, and he had his own cable television surfing program. "If you want to ride the ultimate wave, you have to be willing to pay the ultimate price" was Foo's philosophy. In the realm of big-wave surfing, Foo's death brought about a continuing discourse regarding the safe use of surfboard leashes , or flexible cords that connect
3480-663: Was the largest air–sea search in Hawaiian history. In Aikau's honor, the surfwear company Quiksilver sponsored “The Eddie” until 2016. The event was cancelled for 2017, but the Aikau family brought it back with largely local sponsors for 2018–19 as the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay . Since its inception in 1985, the tournament has only been held 10 times due to
3540-500: Was the last person Aikau rescued at Waimea Bay. In 1978, the Polynesian Voyaging Society was seeking volunteers for a 30-day, 2,500-mile (4,000 km) journey to re-enact the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitian island chains. Aikau joined the voyage as a crew member. The double-hulled voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa left the Hawaiian islands on March 16, 1978. It developed
3600-430: Was tumbled around underwater. Foo's body was discovered still tied to the broken tail section of his board inside Pillar Point lagoon over two hours later. The coroner's report cited "salt-water drowning" and "blunt head trauma" as his causes of death. Foo's death shook the big-wave surfing community. On December 30, over 700 people arrived at Waimea Bay for his funeral. Approximately 150 surfers paddled into and formed
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