The recent rescues of kayakers off Oahu shores, including a Kamehameha student, need to be a wake-up call to the increasing number of kayakers, windsurfers, kiteboarders and others who have had gear failure or exhaustion.
As a former lifeguard and a longtime licensed captain, I have participated in many offshore searches on Oahu, Maui and Molokai. Some were successful and some were not. Locating someone during the day is tough enough, but it becomes nearly impossible at night. A person in trouble needs a marine handheld radio, locator beacon or a waterproof cell phone, a waterproof light and a comfortable inflatable life vest.
It is not macho to go offshore without any safety gear. We need legislation requiring minimum safety gear for rapidly growing water sports. Boats are required to have safety gear; why not for canoes, kayaks, kiteboards and other craft that venture miles offshore?
David Jung
Punchbowl
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
In the spirit of this season, take a moment to count your blessings. Recent times might’ve been tough — politically, economically or otherwise — but surely there are positives.
Here’s your chance to reflect on what you appreciate. Today through Dec. 9, we’ll be accepting “Count Your Blessings” letters (150 words max) or essays (500-600 words). A collection of these will run in mid-December.
Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 2, room 200, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter
