Honolulu Lifeguards Caught Drinking on Duty During Severe Storm: ‘Hugely Disappointing’ (Video)

Per Hawaii News Now:

“Three city lifeguards have been suspended without pay for drinking on the job last Friday during a severe weather day.

“The city says the incident happened around 4 p.m. last Friday, and the lifeguards were on duty at the time. The lifeguards under suspicion of drinking alcohol were in a storage room on the Magic Island side of Ala Moana Beach Park, according to the mayor’s spokesman.

“The lifeguard towers were shuttered that day due to hazardous conditions from the Kona low storm, but beaches were open. Personnel were directed to seek safe shelter and be available for emergencies.”

Nine lifeguards were breathalyzed; three tested positive for alcohol.

According to Racquel Achiu, a commissioner on the Ocean Safety Commission:

“It’s hugely disappointing. Naturally. We have so many great things to look forward to as a new department. It’s unfortunate that chances like that are taken because we are a public safety department.

“Based on the situation like I said I know that [Honolulu Ocean Safety Department Chief Kurt] Chief Lager has a lot of integrity and a lot of confidence in his job and I stand with him on that and I’m sure every measure will be placed to ensure the department’s integrity is intact.”

The lifeguard department has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol. That means, the lifeguards who tested positive for boozing on the job could lose their jobs.

Mayor Blangiardi’s communications director, Scott Humber, said in a statement:

“We take this matter seriously. The actions of a few do not reflect the standards and professionalism of the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department as a whole. Our personnel are entrusted with the safety of the public, and we hold them to a high standard of conduct at all times.”

Once again, lifeguards are heroes. They deserve esteem, and they do their jobs humbly, rescuing untold numbers of individuals on the daily. We have the upmost respect for them.

As for the three who were caught drinking, the incident is still under investigation.