Waikiki Lifeguard Stand Dedicated to Retired Ocean Safety Chief

Nov 14, 2026

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.

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