Hawaii is the perfect spot for vacationing. With pristine beaches and warm weather year-round, all your needs and desires can be met. But what about safety? Hawaii has some of the world’s deadliest beaches, which are often tourist attractions. Lifeguards in Hawaii have protection from Act 170. This law protects lifeguards from being sued except in cases of gross negligence. Although this law expires June 30 this year, a group of Hawaii personal injury lawyer is trying to oppose the bill as it risks the safety of local and tourist beachgoers alike. Lifeguards may perform poorly when they are not held liable for their job performance.
Act 170
Act 170 has been in effect for over a decade. County officials support the law arguing that lifeguards are out there a lot exposing themselves to unpredictable circumstances. It’s an already difficult job and adding this burden on them may cause the state to pull them off Hawaii beaches so they are not exposed to lawsuits. Not extending the law can compromise attempts to put lifeguards to keep Hawaii beaches safe. The State will have to invest about $3,000,000 a year on insurance in order to keep Hawaiian lifeguards on the beach and this is just not gonna happen. If the immunity is not there, Taxpayers will have to pay for it.
Drawing rates in Hawaii
People visiting Hawaii and Hawaiians alike have a higher drowning rate than the national average. An average of 1 tourist a week dies in the beautiful island while on usual Hawaiian vacation activities such as snorkeling and swimming. There isn’t a better way to protect beachgoers than preventing injuries or death with a lifeguard. Many believe that it’s time to make the limited liability permanent.
The debate
A group of attorneys that belong to the Hawaii Association for Justice, on the other hand, think this bill can compromise the safety of people going to the beach as the lifeguards are no longer liable for negligence at work. If you or a loved one dies due to these negligences chances are you want to risk resolution. Majors say lifeguards will not be pulled out the beach if the bill is passed. Although there are about 406 lifeguards in Hawaii, only 30 are actually stationed at State seashore.
Be safe
Whether Act 170 is extended or not, the important thing is that you and those you care for are safe. Although it’s true nobody likes to go on vacation thinking something will go wrong, it’s important to remember Hawaii beaches can have very large waves and strong currents, therefore, you should be extra cautious. Hawaii is very touristic therefore accidents often occur in resorts or someone’s property. In these types of cases, property owners may be held liable for all the injuries suffered and will have to provide compensation for it. If you or a loved one has experienced catastrophic injuries a catastrophic injury attorney in Hawaii can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation with Kurzban, Kurzban, Tetzeli & Pratt P.A.