Two lifeguard towers replaced on Oahu beaches with more upgrades to come

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Ahead of a big north swell, lifeguards on Oahu got two brand new towers this week — one of them overlooking the famous Banzai Pipeline.

Honolulu Ocean Safety replaced the tower at Ehukai Beach Park on the North Shore on Monday, and the Depots Beach park tower Tuesday.

The fiberglass towers were built in San Clemente, Calif., and were modified for the needs of Hawaii’s lifeguards.

“The deck has been reinforced for Hawaii beaches where we know that we sometimes put two, three, maybe even four or five lifeguards on a deck when we have a very busy day — such as we might later today or later this week,” John Titchen, Chief of Ocean Safety, said.

The old structures were nearly 20 years old. Ocean Safety officials say the replacement couldn’t come at a better time.

“It’s a big deal ahead of a busy season to send a signal that we’re needed and this organization is very relevant for the public safety, for the residents and the visitors to the City and County of Honolulu,” Titchen said.

The city plans to replace 41 Lifeguard towers around the island over the next few years.