HONOLULU (KHON2) — This week marks Dispatcher Week, and Ocean Safety officials want to remind the public that if you see people in trouble, especially at unguarded beaches, call for help.
Several weeks ago, a woman noticed two snorkelers who appeared to be in distress off Alan David Beach in East Honolulu and quickly called 911.
While both snorkelers were able to make it back to shore on their own, Ocean Safety personnel were already on the way to the area via rescue craft within five minutes.
“I believe a lot of times people think they’re gonna call 911 and just deal with a normal person that has no ocean experience,” said Lt. Kapu Kawai Pang of Ocean Safety Communications. “Soon as you see something happening or you think something is happening call 911, let them know it’s an ocean safety incident and they will direct you guys over to us. The quicker you do it the faster we can get our guys going.”