Veteran Lifeguard Goto Honored By AccesSurf

Ralph Goto

Kaneohe’s Ralph Goto is a man of the sea. After spending more than 30 years making sure others stay safe in Hawaii’s waters, it’s no wonder that AccesSurf recognized him as one of its two 2014 Ocean of Possibilities Award winners.

Goto directed the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division of the city Department of Emergency Services for 33 years. In that capacity, he supervised a staff of more than 200 fulland part-time lifeguards working 19 beaches. Over the years, he also coached Kailua High School’s swim team, Windward YMCA’s aquatic swim team and lectured at UHManoa and Kapiolani Community College.

The UH-Manoa graduate has earned other accolades, including the 2012 Paragon Award from International Swimming Hall of Fame and city

Manager of the Year in 2007. Goto has written numerous handbooks and articles about marine science and lifeguarding.

AccesSurf honored Goto in May at Hard Rock Cafe alongside paraplegic athlete Rich Julian at the annual benefit for the nonprofit, which is dedicated to making ocean experiences accessible to those with disabilities.

For more information on AccesSurf, call 236-4200 or visit accessurf.org.