Council develops Guard inflatable rescue
By Elissa Weldon , CNN
There's no place quite like the beach in the summer. But between the sun and relaxing holiday mentality scene , and many of the swimmers do not think much about safety at sea.
Ask anyone who has had a hair in the water - have been caught in a rip current or fought against powerful storms to reach the beach . There is often only one person who stands between them and death : a lifeline .
Meet Archie Kalepa, head of security from the Atlantic Ocean to the island of Maui in Hawaii . Kalepa has a team of 64 rescuers who worked under his leadership , and be responsible for the safety of about 2 million visitors to the beach every year.
" Just five minutes for a person to go brain death or drowning , " says Kalepa. "For us, a lot of times waves distant freely . , And what it is all about response times. How can respond quickly and we from point A to point B ?"
Commitment to public safety has deep roots . Kalepa pioneered the use of personal watercraft to save water for nearly 25 years. After Hurricane Iniki hit Hawaii in 1992 , he became a local hero by using the Jet Ski to rescue 12 people from drowning. Rescue operations proved to be a turning point in the unit Kalepa take the Jet Ski water use generalized security .
"We were the ones with the idea ," says Kalepa ", but needs the support of all to get officials realized that this ( jet skis ) is a tool , not a toy. "
Today , Kalepa still working to improve rescue techniques while developing innovative rescue equipment . He has designed and inflatable rescue the Chief Lifeguard Association of the United States to call it , "the real meaning of innovation " with " great promise ." Kalepa is working with partners to market the product.
Kalepa also is the elite athlete who enjoys the opportunity to review some of the biggest waves in the world. And attracted by the " excitement and thrill , workout at risk," he says. " I really enjoy being in this kind of environment . "
Kalepa ocean uses his knowledge to help others - even save big wave surfers in hazardous conditions.
" I've seen it in action. And will rush in question , and without trying to help anyone in danger ," says partner buzzer Kerbox clouds.
As a fifth - generation Hawaiian , Kalepa is probably the most proud of her Hawaiian heritage and Waterman honorary title .
Recently been installed in the Hall of Fame Duke Kahanamoku Hawaii Waterman , a prestigious honor reserved only for those who have extensive knowledge of the oceans and experience in all aspects of water. Can Letterman swimming , windsurfing , scuba diving , paddle canoe , fish, skill , strength , agility and instinct .
" Archie for me an example of exactly what is the navigator Hawaii , which is connected ," says Kaino هوركاخو , an expert in the culture in Hawaii. "We say the word without fear , and is connected to a brave , brave , crazy but really what we mean - in tune and the earth , and without a filter. "
Kalepa, being a navigator and a half Hawaiian Ocean share knowledge with others. He said he trained some of the elite military units in the world in water safety and rescue Jet Ski .
"Through pure respect for what they do to keep America safe , and it was an honor to train these people and work with them ," says Kalepa.
As an expert in the field of public safety, a big wave surfer and Hawaii Waterman , Archie Kalepa feel the need to help others and publish what he calls the spirit of " Aloha " , greeting Hawaii .
"Sharing the Spirit of Aloha always give someone a helping hand , always give someone a kiss . Whenever someone needs help , you help them , and show them how to be good people ," he says . " This is what the spirit of Aloha, and people love the show ' s what the people of Hawaii do . This is the way we live our lives."