HONOLULU (KHON2) — At least five helicopter rescues were performed on Oahu’s trails this Memorial Day weekend. It was a reminder for thrill seekers to be prepared for the elements.
Chicago Visitor Lori Jozwiak and her family made hiking the trails one of their main activities during their visit. She said they made sure to be prepared by packing snacks, water and other essentials.
Jozwiak said, “We bring lots of water, lots of sunscreen, and usually this one I didn’t but usually we have bug bands on to try to keep the mosquitos at bay because they’ve been kind of bad.”
It could be easy to underestimate trails, especially during the heat from the middle of the day. Justin Jenkins hiked Koko Head and said it is never a bad idea to start early in the morning.
“Probably eat some food the day before, know that you’re going to do it,” said Jenkins. “And I would recommend waking up early and before the sun.”
Doctors of Waikiki Founder and CEO Dr. Tony Trpkovski said some of the common injuries he sees are rolled ankles and sprains.
Dr. Trpkovski said, “When people are outside they feel invincible, especially on vacation and they will do things that they normally don’t do while they are at home.”
Safety officials recommend doing research ahead of hiking a trail, knowing the path and distance as well as the weather conditions expected for the day.
Dr. Trpkovski said cloudy days could be deceiving, sunburns are another common skin injury he has treated.
He said, “Most typical burns I see are people snorkeling, if they are snorkeling their backs are exposed and they are getting way much more sun than they think and they are getting the cooling effects of the water but it is misleading.”
Dr. Trpkovski recommends wearing a rash guard shirt that protects swimmers from UV rays, on top of sunscreen.
Meanwhile, ocean safety officials are reminding parents to keep their eye on their young children while at the beach. On Monday, lifeguards responded to five separate calls of missing children. They were found safe and sound with the help of Honolulu lifeguards.