Maui Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB) Study Guide 2024 PDF

MFD & PUBLIC SAFETY 2024 OSO Study Guide By James McNeil 2024 CHAPTER ONE: HISTORY OF MAUI OSB (THIS STUDY GUIDE WAS PRODUCED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF EXCELLING ON THE INTERVIEW AND GENERAL USLA KNOWLEDGE. I MADE IT HOW I SAW FIT AND SCOURED THE WEB, BOOKS AND WORD OF MOUTH FOR ALL THIS INFORMATION....

MFD & PUBLIC SAFETY 2024 OSO Study Guide By James McNeil 2024 CHAPTER ONE: HISTORY OF MAUI OSB (THIS STUDY GUIDE WAS PRODUCED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF EXCELLING ON THE INTERVIEW AND GENERAL USLA KNOWLEDGE. I MADE IT HOW I SAW FIT AND SCOURED THE WEB, BOOKS AND WORD OF MOUTH FOR ALL THIS INFORMATION. KEEP THIS INTEL CLOSE AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL.) IN 1977, THE OCEAN SAFETY BUREAU WAS SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED AS A DIVISION WITHIN THE MAUI COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION. IN 2016, THE MAUI COUNTY COUNCIL ADOPTED A RESOLUTION TO INTEGRATE MAUI OSB INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY. THE OSB HAS BEEN DOING THEIR ANNUAL USLA PERFORMANCE TEST SINCE 1995 AND HAS BEEN CERTIFIED BY USLA SINCE 2012. The Ocean Safety Bureau joined forces with the Maui Fire Department by a 2012 Charter Amendment which was voted on by the community to move Ocean Safety out of the Parks and Recreations Department. In 2014 a Battalion Chief position was created to oversee the Ocean Safety Bureau and in 2016 the department was renamed County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety. According to Maui Fire Department Ocean Safety Operations Manager Cary Kayama, Hawaii’s ocean lifeguards, called Ocean Safety Officers, or OSOs, make over 800 rescues each year across the county. The work is hazardous: helping snorkeling tourists at Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock), local surfers at Ho’okipa, people getting pounded in the shore break at Oneloa (Big Beach). In addition to preventing and responding to drownings, spinal cord injuries and other water-related traumas, OSOs respond to sea creature emergencies and issues (wana, box jelly, shark, etc.), trips and falls in the parking lot and heart attacks or seizures on land across the street. OSOs are stationed at a small percentage of the over 200 miles of coastline in Maui County. Over 70 ocean professionals staff a total of 12 lifeguard towers at nine beaches between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. The county recently approved more staff, 10-hour days and an additional tower at Pu’u Keka’a (where the most drownings per capita in the state occur) by next summer. If you are not at a guarded beach when you or someone needs help, you may be able to still get or give assistance without risking your own safety. Over the last seven years, the Rotary Club of Kihei-Wailea, West Side Rotary Clubs, the Kaanapali Operators Association and others purchased, deployed and maintained over 175 public rescue tubes throughout Maui County. Hawaii rescue tubes are yellow elongated flotation tubes made to support three adults while waiting for the OSO rescue response. According to retired MFD Ocean Safety Chief Colin Yamamoto, there have been 25 documented rescues using the tubes in Maui, and he estimates many more undocumented rescues. (THIS INFO WAS TRANSCRIBED FROM AN ONLINE ARTICLE JULY 2022) HISTORY OF FIRE DEPARTMENT(BRIEF) Firefighting for the County of Maui began in the late 1800’s, all of which were volunteers. Fire protection by firefighting forces were primarily for plantation camps and done by bucket brigade. Night watchmen and Old Bells were how notifications for fires were made. Significant fires in 1924, like the Pauwela Cannery fire that destroyed the girl’s dorm and nursery on January 18, a fire in Wailuku that destroyed the Hoshide Hotel on March 4, and a Paia home fire with two fatalities on April 25, brought attention to the fire protection in Maui. That motivated the Board of Supervisors, predecessor of the County Council, to make changes and upgrades of fire protection for the County. On July 1, 1924, Maui’s first organized fire unit with salaried employees was established and known as the Wailuku Fire Department. Chairman Samuel E. Kalama of the Board of Supervisors appointed Joseph F. Souza Jr. as Fire Chief. The Board set the Chief’s salary at $125 a month. The following month the Board approved 15 positions to be selected and filled by the Fire Chief. The first 15 career firefighters for the department were J. Borba, A. Garcia, M.C. Ross, J.K. Kaaeholo, T. Caswell, D. Kaina, A. Rodrigues, J. Duarte, J. Enos, H. Enos, C.Lake, H. Lake, M. Eaku, F. Kalua, and C. Waiwaiole. Over the years, organized paid fire departments in Wailuku, Paia, and Lahaina districts were established and supplemented the volunteer firefighting efforts of plantation workers at various plantation camps and mills. The Department currently has 14 stations, including 10 on Maui, 3 on Moloka’i, and 1 on Lana’i. The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety is staffed with 282 Fire Operations, 63 Ocean Safety (these numbers would be more now, so I would estimate 75 OSO or more as of 2024) 12 FirePrevention, 5 Health and Safety, 5 Training, 6 Mechanic Shop, and 17 Administrative Support personnel. The Department currently still holds one recruit class every calendar year for new Firefighter Trainees to replace any vacancies the department may have. MFD/OSB CORE VALUES ACCORDING TO 5 YEAR PLAN PDF Recognizing that its collective personality and values of its members enhance the organization, the Department of Fire and Public Safety has declared a set of values that includes such statements as Professional Excellence. We believe in the pursuit of excellence and demonstrating high professional standards are critical to our profession. We will ensure the best possible service for our community by promoting continuous training and encouraging professional development.Community Service and involvement. Members realize the importance of community involvement and participating in events and services with the citizens that we serve. The community’s trust is paramount as they are our family, neighbors, and most importantly customers. We are committed to performing our duties in an honest and ethical manner. We respect the diversity of our community consistently providing compassionate and quality service. Effective Communication: Effective communication is essential to the cohesiveness and performance of our organization. We are committed to providing effective and responsive means of communication to the community we serve. Health and Safety: We believe our health and safety is essential to fulfilling the department’s mission. We are committed to providing the best health and safety programs for our members’ mental and physical well-being ensuring everyone goes home safely. Teamwork and Shared Leadership:One of the most important aspects of our profession is teamwork. We will seek to instill the values of leadership and teamwork in our daily lives. Innovation: We recognize and understand that the constant change in our community and industry impacts our day to day operations. We are committed to seeking out and implementing creative and progressive thinking to address these changes effectively. OCEAN SAFETY DEMOGRAPHICS/BUDGETS Towers: North- 5 (Kanaha, Baldwin, Ho’okipa) West- 2 (3 if Black Rock is opening)+D.T. Fleming Beach Park, Hanaka’o’o South -3 (Kamaole 1-3, Makena) (HANA TOWER DURING SEASONAL/SUMMER SO I HAVE SEEN) OCEAN SAFETY BUDGETS Ocean Safety Program 6,486,435 (SALARIES) 530,86 (EQUIPMENT) 7,017,300 (TOTAL ALLOCATED) (Disbursement for salaries and premium pay is limited to 87.0 equivalent personnel. Apparatus: Trucks-7 Rescue Water Crafts-6 ATVs/UTVs-8 Newly Acquired Apparatus: 2020-2 Rescue Water Craft & 3 Ocean Safety Utility Vehicles 2019-3 Rescue Water Craft – Ocean Safety 2016-2 Ocean Safety Utility Vehicles (This information was attained by using the MFD strategic plan 2021-2025 as the last update.) HISTORY OF UNITED STATES LIFESAVING ASSOCIATION(USLA) In America, as early as the 1700s, dories were launched from shore by lifesavers to save shipwrecked people in distress. They came to be organized as the United States Lifesaving Service and eventually were to save 178,741 people from drowning. But as ships moved from sail to mechanical power, shipwrecks became increasingly rare. In the late 1800s, as the problem of shipwrecks was fading, swimming began to emerge as a widely popular form of recreation, and the need to rescue distressed swimmers became evident. The members of the U.S.Lifesaving Service eventually moved on to become part of the U.S.Coast Guard, while a new type of lifesaving emerged: guarding the lives of swimmers at the beach. Unlike in other countries, these lifeguards were typically paid employees of local governments, often organized in a manner similar to police or fire departments. At first, these beach lifeguard services developed their own lifesaving methods, sometimes capitalizing on innovations they learned from other lifeguards. The exchange of information was limited though and beach lifeguard practices tended to develop locally and regionally, with significant variations from place to place. Decades after professional lifeguard agencies had been established at beaches throughout America, Australia was chosen to host the 1956 Summer Olympics. The volunteer lifesavers of Australia decided to hold an international, invitational competition. California lifeguards and a contingent from the Territory of Hawaii agreed to participate. The California lifeguards organized themselves under the banner of the Surf Life Saving Association of America (SLSA), although they were solely from the Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City lifeguard agencies. The event drew a crowd of 115,000 spectators, with the legendary "Duke" Paoa Kahanamoku of Hawaii as the honorary chairman. In addition to the Americans and Australians, teams from South Africa, Great Britain, Ceylon, and New Zealand participated. It was as a result of this event that the rescue tube, which had been designed in California, and the rescue buoy, which had been perfected there, were first introduced to Australia. U.S. team members also brought Malibu Bolsa Surfboards with them, the first total Australian exposure to the Malibu Surfboard. When they departed Australia, the boards were left behind, which revolutionized surfing in Australia. At the same time, the Americans learned of the superior, national organization of Surf Life Saving Australia, and thought of the potential for a similar national organization in their own country. The first national American lifeguard competition under the banner of USLA was held in San Diego, California in August 1980, bringing members of the various USLA chapters together in a spirited gathering which resulted in much camaraderie. Since then, national competitions have continued annually. The primary goal of USLA is to, "Establish and maintain high standards of professional surf and open water lifesaving for the maximizing of public safety." As such, USLA leaders have long worked to standardize training and lifesaving practices throughout the United States through various means. This has sometimes proven a difficult task. Unlike the pool environment, which is virtually identical regardless of locale, open water beaches and their related hazards vary dramatically from place to place. Crowd conditions, water currents, dangerous animal life, weather and many other factors contribute to these variations. Furthermore, the assignments of beach lifeguards can differ significantly.  In recognition of the challenges spawned by this diversity, but with a continuing desire to set minimum standards that could be implemented on a national scale, a conference convened in 1980 at Texas A&M University in Galveston. The purpose was to develop guidelines for establishing open water recreational beach standards. It was co-sponsored by USLA, the American Camping Association, and the Council for National Cooperation in Aquatics. The other major groups represented at this conference included: American Red Cross Boy Scouts of America Center for Marine Training and Safety of Texas A & M Centers for Disease Control Girls Scouts of America National Park Service National Safety Council U.S. Coast Guard YMCA The result of the conference was a Sea Grant publication, edited by James McCloy and James Dodson, outlining the work of those in attendance. It included recommendations for the minimum age, physical conditioning, swimming skills, training, and equipment for lifeguards, as well as a number of other areas of importance. Shortly thereafter, USLA developed and published Guidelines for Open Water Lifeguard Training in concert with the findings of the conference. USLA STRUCTURE/USLA CODE OF ETHICS/WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MAUI COUNTY The United States Lifesaving Association is America's nonprofit, professional association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers. The USLA works to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment through public education, national lifeguard standards, training programs, promotion of high levels of lifeguard readiness, and other means.  MAUI COUNTY IS UNDER THE “PACIFIC ISLANDS” REGION WITH ACTING REGIONAL OFFICER: PRESIDENT KALANI VIERRA (Kalani Vierra is president of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association President and operation chief at the Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau. Vierra believes there is a responsibility to protect vital resources and prevent any injuries or deaths through preventative measures.) USLA CODE OF ETHICS Lifeguards will: Maintain an unwavering dedication to the safety of those they are assigned to protect Recognize and accept that heightened personal dangers are an unavoidable aspect of the job. Maintain high standards of fitness, recognizing that their strength, stamina, and physical skill may mean the difference between life and death. Make every reasonable effort to prevent accidents before they occur. Avoid any undue distraction which may deter them from their primary responsibility. Proudly carry out the duties they are assigned, providing the highest possible levels of courtesy, respect and assistance to those whom they watch over. Take proactive steps to educate the public about the hazards of the aquatic environment and ways to safely enjoy aquatic recreation. Promote their profession through personal actions which serve to demonstrate that lifeguards everywhere are deserving of the trust placed in them by the public they serve. Diligently follow established policies and procedures set forth by their employing agency to promote the best possible public service. RIP CURRENT INFORMATION (USLA & NOAA APPROVED) What are rip currents? ◆ Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. ◆ Rip currents typically form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers. ◆ Rip currents are commonly found on all surf beaches, including Great Lakes beaches. Why are rip currents dangerous? ◆ Rip currents pull people away from shore. ◆ Rip current speeds can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf. ◆ Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from shore. ◆ A scientific review of data provided to the United States Lifesaving Association found that there are over 100 deaths each year in the U.S. attributed to rip currents. ◆ Rip currents account for over 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. What are clues that rip currents may be present? ◆ A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater. ◆ A channel of churning, choppy water. ◆ A difference in water color. ◆ A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward. How can I protect myself and my family from rip currents? ◆ Always swim in an area protected by lifeguards ◆ Consult lifeguards before entering the water. ◆ Assume that rip currents are always present at surf beaches. ◆ Learn to swim in the surf and make sure your children can swim in the surf. Pool swimming is not the same as swimming at a surf beach. ◆ Learn to identify rip currents and take the time to evaluate the water before you enter the water. What if I'm caught in a rip current? ◆ Relax, rip currents don't pull you under. ◆ Don’t swim against the current. ◆ You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach. ◆ You may be able to escape by floating or treading water if the current circulates back toward shore. ◆ If you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself. If you need help, yell and wave for assistance. How do I help someone else? Don't become a victim while trying to help someone else! Many people have died trying to rescue rip current victims. ◆ Get help from a lifeguard. ◆ If a lifeguard is not present, call 9-1-1, then try to direct the victim to swim following the shoreline to escape. ◆ If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats. ◆ Never enter the water without a flotation device. Facts about rip currents ◆ Rip currents do not pull people under the water—they pull people away from shore. ◆ Rip current speeds vary. Average speeds are 1-2 feet per second, but they have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer! ◆ Rip currents can be very narrow or more than 50 yards wide. ◆ Sometimes a rip current ends just beyond the line of breaking waves; however, others may continue to flow hundreds of yards offshore. ◆ Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called undertow or riptides but these terms are not correct. Only the term rip currents is technically correct. Safety tips ◆ Know how to swim. ◆ Swim near a lifeguard. ◆ Never swim alone. ◆ If in doubt, don't go out. MAUI COUNTY STATISTICS 2022(PULLED FROM USLA DATA REPORTS) BEACH ATTENDEES: 3,246,460 RESCUES: 429 PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS: 57,756 DROWNINGS (UNGUARDED): 17 DROWNING (GUARDED): 1 USLA MINIMUM RECOMMENDED LIFEGUARD EQUIPMENT STANDARDS Rescue At least one rescue flotation device (RFD) for each lifeguard on duty Mask(s) and snorkel(s) readily accessible to mount an underwater search and rescue, as appropriate Binoculars readily accessible in the beach area, as well as in each main tower and emergency vehicle Marker buoy(s) readily accessible for submerged victim search and rescue Swim fins for rescue purposes readily accessible to lifeguards as appropriate according to local conditions Medical A first aid kit adequate to treat minor injuries at each staffed lifeguard post A first aid kit adequate to treat both minor and major medical emergencies at each beach area Equipment to protect against bloodborne pathogens consistent with OSHA requirements Spinal stabilization equipment, including spineboard, head and neck immobilization devices, and fastening devices readily accessible at each beach area Oxygen readily accessible at each staffed beach area, with all lifeguard personnel trained in its use. For agencies seeking advanced certification: A cardiac defibrillator (or defibrillators) readily accessible at each staffed beach area, with personnel trained in its use. Communications Equipment for lifeguards to communicate with the public at a distance (ex: whistles, megaphone(s), air horn(s), etc.) Equipment for lifeguard to lifeguard communication  Equipment for lifeguards to immediately activate local emergency medical services (EMS) Personnel Needs Lifeguards are required to wear an easily identifiable uniform, denoting the wearer as a trained rescuer (ex: "Lifeguard," "Beach Patrol," "Marine Safety") and denoting the employing agency Sunscreen for all lifeguard personnel Reasonable equipment to protect lifeguards from sun exposure Record Keeping and Reporting A system for documenting lifeguard activities, consistent with USLA standards, with annual statistical data reported to the USLA statistics coordinator by March 1 of each year lOCAL TERMS/FUN FACTS: WINDWARD: NORTH SHORE TO EAST SIDE OF MAUI.THE WINDWARD SIDE FACES PREVAILING TRADE WINDS. (WINDWARD =NORTH TO NORTH EAST) LEEWARD:SOUTH SIDE TO WEST SIDE MAUI. LEEWARD FACES AWAY FROM THE WIND AND IS SHELTERED BY HILLS AND MOUNTAINS. (LEEWARD =SOUTH TO SOUTH WEST) Undertow: Also known as an undercurrent or subsurface current, undertow refers to the flow of water underneath breaking waves that pulls objects seaward. Being aware of undertows helps in assessing water safety. Swells: Swells are long, rolling waves that travel across the ocean surface. Understanding wave patterns and how to navigate them is essential for ocean guards. Tides: The rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. Ocean guards need to understand tidal cycles to anticipate changes in water depth and currents. Wave Breaks: Different types of wave breaks include spilling, plunging, and surging waves. Knowing how to recognize and navigate these wave types is important for safety in the water. Marine Life: Familiarize yourself with common marine life found in your area, including fish, jellyfish, sea turtles, and sharks. Understand how to identify and respond to potential encounters with marine animals. Weather Patterns: Stay informed about local weather forecasts, including wind speed, wave height, and storm predictions. Knowing how weather conditions can affect ocean safety is crucial for planning and responding to emergencies. Boating Regulations: Understand local boating laws and regulations, including speed limits, no-wake zones, and navigation rules. Ocean guards may need to enforce these regulations to ensure safety on the water. Water Safety Equipment: Learn how to use and maintain essential water safety equipment such as life jackets, rescue buoys, surfboards, and first aid kits. Beach Flags: Different colored flags are used to communicate water conditions to beachgoers. Learn the meanings of flags such as red (dangerous conditions), yellow (caution), and green (safe conditions). Water Rescue Techniques: Practice various water rescue techniques, including passive and active victim rescues, using appropriate equipment and procedures. Emergency Response Protocols: Understand and follow established emergency response protocols for water-related incidents, including communication procedures, coordination with emergency services, and first aid administration. MOCK INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: (These have been organized with the help of current OSO and aquatics staff, as well as various online sources.) “What do you know about the Ocean Safety Bureau?” “What experiences make you a good candidate for this job?” “What do you know about tides and where swells come from?” “What are rip currents and how do you recognize them?” “What would you contribute to the team if hired?” “Tell us about yourself.” (Scenario) “You see a co-worker doing something they shouldn’t. What do you do?” “Define the word integrity.” “What have you done to prepare for this job?” “What do you know about the duties of an Ocean Safety Officer?” “What is your idea of professionalism?” “Why should we recruit you?” “Describe for us your three most important character traits.” “How do you currently serve the community?” “What are your major assets in regard to this job?” “How do you feel you can help serve the community as an Ocean Safety Officer?” “Are you afraid of things such as sharks, large bodies of water or dying?” “Do you respond to criticism in a positive manner?” “What merits you being hired over other similarly qualified applicants?” RANDOM ADD-ONS & GOALS WORKOUTS: 5 DAYS A WEEK. INTEGRATE MORE LEG/RUNNING MODULES AS BACK AND CHEST SLOWLY HEAL FROM FALL ON PAVEMENT. TRY TO KEEP A CONSISTENT MINIMUM OF 1500-2000 YARDS A DAY IN THE POOL AND STRETCHING POST SWIMS. CONTINUE TO WORK ON MOCK INTERVIEWS AND READING THOUGH THE EMT/EMR VOLUME 11 AND THE WORKBOOK AND WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF USLA RELATED RESCUES/KNOWLEDGE. I HAVE BEEN TRAINING PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY GETTING READY FOR THESE APPLICATIONS TO DROP FOR MANY MONTHS. I WILL KEEP MY HEAD UP AND DO THE BEST I CAN. I WILL BE A MAUI COUNTY OCEAN SAFETY OFFICER. 2024