“You didn’t save me good enough, I’m gonna sue” shit if that’s what someone said to me after I just saved them I would swim them back out and let them see if they could do a better job. Talk about ungrateful.
Thomas D Harrell you dont understand. He said if someone tells him hes gonna get sued they are ungrateful cause their life just got saved but acting like a bitch.
Many politicians are lawyers, so of course they want to maximize the amount of litigation that happens in order to earn more money. So this change is money in the bank for them, they love it.
Ummm... I took this job to save lives and help my community on a personal level, and so far it’s going great. And with my pay lol I’m certainly not greedy. But I do love my job and my patrons/townsfolk
As a longtime surfer in Hawaii I would like to reiterate and extend upon the stat seen at 1:00 Between 1994 -2014 (1,374) People Drown in Hawaii. Between 1994-2014 (5) people were killed by sharks in Hawaiian waters. You are exponentially more likely to drown in the ocean than to get killed by a shark. Do not fear the sharks, fear your inability to swim and your inability to recognize ocean conditions. That is what will kill you. Mahalo.
Been a guard since I was 14.... here in NZ, like a lot of places, we’re all volunteers... I’m now 46, and in all that time I can remember being thanked twice for saving someone.... lifeguards are one the most undervalued groups around, anybody who sues a guard for doing their job, should be fed to the sharks, along with every politician who allowed this law to pass.
heaviest place to be a lifeguard. not only gotta be able to handle yourself in those big waves, but also be good enough to save someone else at the same time. madness
@Craig T you are an idiot. ability has no place compared to love at big pipe? sure. find someone really out of shape with no ocean experience but full of love and see how they handle themselves at 10ft pipe
Us surfers pull tourists out of the rips all the time as well. We're worried we'll get 'sued' because we may have touched some one wrong or the like when pushing them up onto our boards while we take the beating on the inside so they can get home safe to their families. What I was told was, go to them ask if they need saving, they say 'Yes!' you do it. If they are yelling HELP. You do it. If they are unable to respond, you do it. Not a lifeguard but its what we do too. Mad Respect for you guys.
This is true. I thought I was going to drown saving someone just a few weeks ago when the person got into trouble. Later the same day that person claimed I had "tried to kill him." Like...what. I was almost in serious trouble myself due to this person's inexperience and he pretty much would have just drowned without help.
Most developed countries and states (including Hawaii) have specific "Good Samaritan" laws, which in most cases say that any good faith attempt by a member of the public to rescue a person reasonably believed to be in immediate danger has no civil liability and cannot be sued. This even applies if the rescue in unsuccessful and/or if the victim is injured during the attempt. Generally the only exceptions would be if the victim specifically declined consent, or there was gross negligence by the rescuer - deliberately doing something that they should know is more likely to cause additional harm to the victim. The only way somebody could possibly sue you for "touching them wrong" would be for something that couldn't have been just an accident during the rescue - like intentionally putting a hand up right inside their swimsuit after they're on your board, or putting hands on them _after_ they have specifically declined your assistance, or something like that.
@@Anonymous551656 agreed to everything said above 👆🏻 about “Good Samaritan Laws” and have helped 2 people myself in those conditions. Both were very grateful! Thank God they survived and medics said I did the right thing.
I lived on Kauai for 8 years, there was a body surfing contest at ship wrecks beach, a young lady got caught in a massive under tow and rip tide and sucked out to sea like a what seemed 1/2 mile. Life guard, garbs his float swims out to her and brings her in no probs....the water man made it look easy. we salute you life guards
NHseacoast Yup! That’s why a lot of naive tourists croak every year in Hawai’i. I say if you are dumb enough to not respect Moana, let nature take it’s course, Darwin’s law. Get rid of all lifeguards, and give that money to create jobs/homes for the Kanaka Maoli instead, and fight drug addiction and the highest homelessness per capita in the nation. How about that? 💡
I was visiting Hawaii once and wanted to surf Pipe, I was just back after breaking my right arm and even tho it wasn't a big day I consulted with the life guard on duty. He was super friendly and helpful and told me he thinks I should hit a different spot that wasn't too far away where the current isn't as strong and the reef isn't as shallow. Took his advice and had a good session! If that bill passes I can't imagine how many people would get hurt doing stupid stuff because the lifeguard did not want to get sued (even tho I'm sure they would still do what they think is right). If that bill passes there should be a non profit fund to support lifeguards that are being sued for trying to save people's lives.
DorvipeRR good call talking to the LG first. He give you good advice and all went well. I was a ski patroller at a major ski area in california. People would ask us about out of bound skiing.Are response was if you gotta ask don't go.Find some who's done it before
I agree, a fund needs to be set up to aid these men and women if they find themselves in legal trouble, as well as to possibly give them bonuses annually because 30k a year for somebody risking their life for random strangers daily deserves more than just enough to scrape by.
Lifeguards should be exempt from lawsuits, unless they did something extremely negligent like showed up to work late, or hung out under the lifeguard stand smoking a joint. Hopefully, if someone sued a lifeguard and it was absurd or placing blame on the wrong party then I would hope a judge would toss that out. But, you never know. Are police officers exempt from lawsuits? I don't think they are...
Someone in my area got sued because they incorrectly treated a HNS injury, and ended up injuring the guy even more. He’s a very rich paralyzed guy now.
Ok, so you cant have it both ways....you can either be exempt from lawsuits or not exempt...there is no happy median Nobody should ne exempt from lawsuits in the USA....not even the govt
I was a lifeguard on the North Shore in the 80s. I also guarded in Waikiki at the Military Beach. I think it was called Ft Durusie! ( not sure the spelling it's been a long time) I pulled a young girl(22yrs) outta the surf on the outside. She was under when I got to her. I started CPR on the rescue board on the way in. I got her to Shore and continued CPR un6she started to start puking damn near in my mouth. Anyway when she left the beach that day she had a pulse and was breathing on her own. The next day her and her parents came out to thank me and see if there was anyway she could pay me for saving her life. She was pretty hot and a LA model .But I said "No, of course 1😉😉" So a couple months go by and the captain calls me in off the beach and introduces me to this SUIT. This man was a attorney from the City of Honolulu. I was bring sued by that 22 yr old girl. Apparently I had cracked her sternum. She was suing me and the City of Honolulu and the Military Hotel that my tower was in front of for neglectance and a few other big words. I saved her life. We beat it, but it should not have even gone that far and I had to wear shoes!!🏄🏼♂️🤙🌴
Top tier guards should be making 80 - 90k yearly. They also should be sworn police officers to arrest people disobeying the law. I broke my sup at Haleiwa (10 ft Hawaii) and noticed the guard was ready to act but I was able to get in. Very thankful for there service.
Hawaii is ruled by the hard core leftist Communists. Hawaii needs a 2 party system to provide check and balances. Look at California being run into the ground by the Democrats.
It is unfortunate the Democrats are in the process of running Hawaii into the ground. People should really start voting for the Republicans so there is a choice at elections. Hawaii is almost run like a dictatorship with the current Democratic monopoly.
30k a year to monitor some of the most deadliest surf on earth and some of the most populated beaches, and have to fear being sued for saving a person.
i was fortunate to visit north shore many times when I could afford to travel there. Absolutely the most awesome place that commands respect from every one who goes there. For as hard headed as I most time am, I remember one instance when I was there in the month of January. The winter months are the time when the swells are the biggest on North Shore I was told. I remember going down to the ocean shore for to sun bathe. As soon as I put my towel down, I went to go get wet, not swim, but just to touch the water. All of a sudden , this really good looking muscled local lifeguard started screaming every cuss word at me to get away from the water!!!! I looked at him with horror , for I didnt even need to say WHY ???? For as soon as I just touched the water, I looked up over the water to see how far away from shore the gigantic waves were roaring and breaking. They were so huge from my vantage point and it had to be half a mile that they were breaking. But they were so fu**ing big, and the sound was so enormous it made the ground shake with such intensity. And in that split moment of that split moment with the lifeguard cussing at me to get away from the shoreline and to back away thirty feet to lay on my towel, and at the same time seeing just how huge, yet far awat the waves were breaking, At that precise moment I realized why he was yelling at me. You see, if you were there, the exact shoreline where the water meets the sand is incredibly so soft and mushy, that it takes not even a second for the weight of your body to make you sink in to the sand. Which it took five seconds fo me to sink up to my waist line for the sand is so soft. Thats why when the lifeguard yelled at me to back away from the water and most of all I didnt even have to yell back WHY???? He at that time threw me a rope and he had to pull me out of the sand just to be able get off of the shoreline. He asked , You ok? I was able to laugh with cussing with shear excitement.! It actually was one of the most best exciting times I remember of Hawaii. Yeah the huge nice looking dude had absolutely saved me out of the quick sand. As he later revealed the sign that said something of the fact that no standing at the shoreline CAUTION QWIK SAND> or something like that. So, I suppose you really have to respect these guys far beyond the call of duty. I was pretty lucky that the lifeguard had the mouth of a sailor at cussing for thats what got my attention in the first place. Because , by the time he did, my body was already half gone. As ending, for to have just touched the water there, I saw those enormous waves and I really just cant imagine how dangerous it would be to be out there in the water . You have to respect these guys that lifeguard there for they have to deal with that beast every second of each and every day. No matter what they say and how they treat you. Listen to them and respect them. If they save your life at any point in your travels there, afterwards fo out of your way to thank them. Go to the bank and bring them a 100 dollar tip or go get them diiner cards so they can take their families out to dinner. Something nice and positive . For if you do something negative after they save your life and health, say like sue them for their services, well, one day the waters will rise up within your life and you will be be thrown in to the lake of fire . Value their life and services first....... These guys are very good and passionate at helping others.
Thank you to all of the lifeguards around the world! Lifeguard = Guardian of Life I haven't needed rescuing... yet, but you never know what the future holds. So thank you for any and all past, present and future rescues!
Every time I’ve spoken to a guard on any of the islands I’ve visited they have always been super helpful and professional, it’s a shame the state legislature doesn’t see their value. Hawaii’s beaches are the main reason the tourism industry is so strong and people come to visit, not some stupid train that’s billions over budget.
The local government where I live decided lifeguards were not necessary, they covered that attitude with "No one wants to work outdoors, there is no one to train them". All the while pocketing the money from the parking lot that paid the wages of the lifeguards. They even stated the lifeguards were not doing enough rescues. No one ever drowned when there were lifeguards on duty during the time I worked at this organization. The truly sad part the community didn't protest. I'll always remember the lifeguarding days and always will be a true lifeguard. Semper paratus ibi semper.
Un-freaking-believable that your state government doesn't see the value in what you do! I think lifeguards should be paid at LEAST double what you mentioned, and of COURSE they should be covered from any liability. Maui is my happy place, but I am very concerned about ocean safety after an incident (ironically not in Hawaii, and on a beach with no lifeguards) where all 3 members of my family VERY nearly drowned and were rescued by strong swimmers, two of whom were locals. I think lifeguards are amazing. Absolutely the definition of heroes. Thank you so much for what you do day in and day out.
Life guards have my total respect. I've been caught inside when Waimae was going off and everytime I surfaced they were watching making sure I had things under control. We need them on these beaches especially for the tourists.
I worked as a college professor in Hawaii for 20 years and never made over $35,000. You can barely survive on that much when food and housing takes most of your salary. But then I swam in a lovely ocean every day winter and summer. I could hike the trails in the mountains finding exquisite waterfalls in remote places, I could see the Polynesians celebrating with dance and music on the beach, and every day my eyes witnessed these incredible colors of green and purple and yellow and blue in the ocean, the sky, and the flowers. Sometimes money is not everything.
When I am in the water, I feel a duty to keep an eye out for all my brothers and sisters. Yeah the lifeguards are heroes. That tourist with a broken leash could be in trouble, that surfer that got spit out into bone yard, that boogie boarder that got slammed and disoriented, that 55 year old man from Norway with chest pain, that kid that stepped on a vahna.... man I’ve seen everything out there. Let’s all just do what we need to do as water people and ignore dumb laws. Use common sense and love thy neighbor. Let’s continue to support our lifeguards, make sure they are making a living wage, and have their backs when they are being attacked by the money changers. Aloha!
How can you not save someone good enough? This is just very weird if I were stuck in the impact zone and I got saved by a lifeguard I would give them a lot of money... lol I would be grateful.
Shit like this happened, was a part time lifeguard for many years, there were cases where other lifeguards accidentally broke the victims finger cause he was struggling and dragging the lifeguard down, he got the victim to release his grip so that he could drag him to shore but broke his finger by accident, got a complaint and was later fired.
and can a cluess tourist be fined for ignoring high surf signs? they drive up during a 30min lull , walk past the signs into the shore break, get sucked out into the death zone.
My life was saved by a lifeguard. When I was a kid, I was stuck in a rip current and couldn't get out. I started going out to sea. A lifeguard came in and pulled me out. It wasn't easy either. I am so incredibly thankful for that man's bravery.
I’m a lifeguard, not in Hawaii, but I have gone a lot and I love it there, not even being on duty it still feels super daunting to be at those beaches, and I have serious respect for the people who work at those beaches, the worst I ever have to deal with is parents being upset and that kind of thing, more babysittng than lifesaving. Props to you guys, I hope that your situation improves! I’m from New Hampshire by the way
This video is awesome. We’ve ( local people) have all been there at one time or another when we needed help from the lifeguard. Big mahalos to all Hawaii Lifeguards!👍🤙😎
mahalo for the good work you do...I.have seen so many rescues on the North Shore... the guards do the same town kine! The guards always bring the Aloha
Though I knew this Bill was coming, it truly is mind-blowing to realize that Hawaii (pg) government officials did this against all common sense in order to save a buck. It was an easy target. As a retired 27 year Hawaii County ocean lifeguard, I have observed weak labor union representation willing to back official policy that defied logic at times. I believe Oahu,Maui, and Kauai, may have better representation in administrative policies This film is important and it will take an entire community to overturn this bad policy. Sooner the better.
Stefano, when you are really serious about this job, and have gained some experience, you come to understand, that even though you and your teammates may react and respond to the best of your abilities and training, someone may still die. That could be the original victim or a guard, or someone else that thought they could help. To knowingly not work as scheduled, in protest, and have someone die on what would be your watch, is something I know any professional guard, anywhere in the world they work would not want to happen. Lifeguard for life is a real thing. What we may be seeing is political posturing, pressuring the federal government to pony up some more funding for the Hawaiian program, as it is a public safety issue, and do follow a national standard training and certification program USLA.
I disagree, I think lifeguards should not held liable if someone dies on their watch. Going on strike would raise awareness and put political pressure. People at the beach would know if lifeguards were on strike and they would enter the water at their own risk. The only beach i go swimming in NYC, where I live, is a National Park and federal land, as it is the only unprotected beach. Making lifeguards liable would affect people who want to swim off shore or in rough water. In NYC they do not allow that, and once I almost got a ticket and LT lifeguard sent 4 lifeguards to get me out of the water. Liability really ruined the USA and there is not as much freedom to roam, to swim like in Europe where I grew up. Since elected officials in Hawaii are scapegoating the lifeguards, the lifeguards should put political pressure back. Too bad that in the USA labor rights are so easily dismissed. Lifeguards would do their job better without the fear of a lawsuit. This law also will prevent regular people to enjoy the ocean as lifeguards will be super strict to not let anything happen under their watch. In NY state you can not swim if lifeguards are not present, and where you can they do not allow floats, fins, snorkels etc. It is not enforced everywhere in the state, but you always risk a ticket. On NY beaches they mostly allow stay close to shore on the sandbar.
@stefano The issue isn’t about putting political pressure. Lifeguarding is a safety critical job. It’s not like working at a factory where the worst thing hat happens if you strike is a few shipments go out late. When you first start guarding you’re faced very quickly with the reality that other people’s lives, be it guests, yourself, or other guards, are in your hands. You sign on to be he safety relief. It’s a lifestyle job. You get very emotionally invested in your waters. And the people who swim in them. You can’t just go on strike to put political pressure down because then the whole point of lifeguarding would be irrelevant. It’s like the fire department can’t go on strike because they’re not getting sued. Thag would be irresponsible. They’re both safety critical jobs.
@ stefano I have to agree with you. In the UK much like France we've had Doctors, nurses, police and firemen go on strike in the past. Its the best way to draw attention to the problem and put pressure on the government to make real changes. Lifegaurds have a very important role in Hawaii, arguably more so than lifegaurds anywhere else in the world. But there is no reason to let your government shaft you just because you feel some higher responsibility to protect people from the dangers of the ocean. When fire fighters went on strike in the UK they gave plenty of warning so the government had time to temporarily substitute military personnel. I'm sure Hawaiian lifegaurds could do the same thing.
Visiting on the way back to U.K from Oz, sat on Waimea beach 30 years ago dead flat (was summer) a life guard came along answered our questions and gave us lots of local knowledge. he then lent us snorkels and flippers, said he'd be back in an hour. what a star. These are professionals look after them please!
I went through the Junior Lifeguard program with Mark Cunningham when I was in high school in the '90s. Such a great guy, and so genuinely concerned for the greater good. Everywhere I've ever swam or surfed since then, I felt safer for the knowledge he shared.
Rediculous. These guys are putting their lives on the line every day for people who cannot judge their own abilities or fall foul of exceptional conditions. They are fantastic ppl 👍
That's like crossing a pedestrian crossing without even looking, thinking the drivers can't run you over. The markings on the road don't keep you safe. Just because there are lifeguards on the beach doesn't mean you will make it out of the rips and waves alive. You are responsible for your own life so make sensible decisions and always take precautions. And listen to the lifeguards which is what alot of stupid people refuse to do.
When I was in Hawaii the first time at a non-touristy beach. The lifeguard looked at me, and said, "Hey maybe you should go to another beach." Which translates to, "Hey you obviously don't know what you're doing, and I don't want to have save you. Go some where easier." Probably saved my life that day.
Having been a surfer for many years and enjoyed a visit to the North Shore a few years ago, the word respect for lifeguards is too humble. The lifeguards pointed out the Tower at Waimea and the Point at Sunset as my “swim toward” if I coped a flogging in the surf. This proved very helpful when a solid set cleaned me up at Sunset - broken board. I realise that it is up to me to be responsible for my survival in the surf. A lifeguard has the choice to assist if they believe they can do so without putting themselves at unnecessary risk. Litigation of someone that chooses to assist another person in a dangerous situation is ludicrous. Bottom line it is my choice to enter the ocean ... survival is my responsibility. It's awesome to know that there is backup provided by Hawaiian lifeguards.
Lifeguards being sued, doctors being sued... When are people gonna just admit the reality that bad things can happen, but noone is to blame for them. Why do we always need someone to point the finger at?
as a local boi born and raised in hawaii, "If in doubt, don't go out," its plain as day the warnings are there, the lifeguards on on bull horns. its stupid that certain people think they can handle but can't and try to blame someone else for their stupidity. Malama Honua
Now I’m not an ocean lifeguard (I work at a park pool In central Texas) But I do sympathize with the legal risks and such of rescues, especially knowing that if I have to begin CPR, my victim may not survive and the family will be pissed and grieving. Stand strong guys/gals.
The Lifeguards on Sandy Beach, and others as well, give great advice and are helpful and knowledgeable. The state should provide all the support they can for them. The government needs to provide additional pay and protection for the lifeguards. Hawaii needs to remember what their resources are and how to protect them.
I just realized a couple days ago this could be a real career. I was a lifeguard for 5 years in Oregon where it’s definitely not a career. I’m currently working towards getting to Hawaii to join this team!
i’m a lifeguard at some local pools, and i think it would be amazing to guard at an ocean. seems very exciting and different, but with these policies changing it just seems like an even higher risk.
I don't know about lifeguards but in the EU there is a law that protects any bystanders when giving First Aid to a person even in the case they don't choose to do so or they cause pneumothorax to the victim. Why it should be different for lifeguards? They should be protected , of course they should always try help but in the case the victim passes they should know that they are legally protected. They only know First Aid they are not trained physicians
I'm pretty sure that law only exists to protect NON-trained people (those who are acting in the absence of any choice). i.e. if you have been first aid trained, you are not protected. Lifeguards would not be protected by that law.
I propose a federal law that says if you go out to enjoy nature at a park, beach, zip line, water parks etc then you cannot sue anyone. If you want maximum protection for yourself, stay in a padded room in your home and don't go out.
I second this except in cases of mechanical negligence. For instance if you let your zip line rust out you should be held responsible. The law should include something like an “act of nature” clause. If your death is caused by nature - that’s on you. If your death was caused because someone made something that killed you, that’s on them.
I’ve personally seen the lifeguards in action at the north shore at pipe a few times , people have no idea what it’s like for them , winter season pumpin with 40ft faces rollin in every 5 seconds , tourist who might be able to surf BUT have this crazy belief that they can surf Pipe, it just goes bad everytime 5 times a day. Just having the balls to jump in to the water at pipe on a huge day when it’s breaking out on the 3rd reef is nearly suicidal let alone saving a life at the same time . Life guards should all be millionaires 💯
I feel like there should be a bounty offered for every life saved. Potentially, the victim should be made to pay it. Like a fine for having had to have someone to save your life.
I can't even find the words to express my anger at the state of affairs these guardian's of the peoples are in. What I can do is show my gratitude and support so they know how much we not only appreciate them but how much we who come to surf every season look up to them. With much respect and support from the mainland. MAHALO NA KANAKA O KA IKAIKA
Should clear some of this misinformation up. As someone who basically was at Waimea everyday after school from middle school, the way shit is getting misrepresented in here is infuriating. First off. They did not "make" a new law that took away lifeguard immunity. The law that protected them expired. It was not auto renewed because the law needed to be worded better to not leave the C&C (city and county) on the hook for negligence. The problem is that they also want to increase funding so they can hire more lifeguards and have stations at more beaches. The extra funding has delayed the passing of a new bill that will give the lifeguards there protection back.
Was a lifeguard for 3 years. When you go into a situation you always give it 100%. Its not like another profession were you can get threw your task with 85%. The people who say "they didn't save me fast enough" have no idea what we do. Especially in Hawaii lifeguards need more legal protection, not less.
A few years back here in NJ, while the beaches weren’t even open for the season underage kids who’s parents supplied alcohol after prom and gave them access to their beach house got drunk on the sand, went swimming and 1 kid drowned while 4 others nearly died. Go figure, the parents who supplied alcohol were able to sue the township for allowing their kid to drown and won an 8 million dollar suit, settling out of court. Makes me sick how the system works.
This video is a little misleading. The lawsuits aren’t from lifeguards not rescuing “good enough”. Lawsuits typically occur when lifeguards miss a save completely and they don’t rescue at all. If someone drowns in a lifeguard’s zone and he doesn’t notice until the person is dead, floating face down, that’s negligence, and the guard is liable.
