Waikiki Lifeguard Stand Dedicated to Retired Ocean Safety Chief
A Waikiki lifeguard stand has been named for retired Honolulu Ocean Safety Chief Ralph "Buster" Wallwork, a tribute to his decades shaping the islands' rescue service.
- A ceremony this morning placed Wallwork's name on lifeguard stand 2A, located between the Moana Surfrider hotel and Duke's.
- Wallwork joined Honolulu's lifeguard service in 1962 and rose through the ranks to captain and chief of operations before retiring in 1994.
- During his 32-year career, the service adopted new rescue gear, training standards, and lifesaving techniques, including the push to start CPR immediately for better survival odds.
- Colleagues say his teachings became the foundation for later generations of lifeguards, helping move the service from informal Waikiki beach boys toward today's trained professional first responders.
Outlook: Wallwork's influence will keep shaping how Honolulu trains its lifeguards, with the dedicated stand standing as a lasting marker of his impact.