Hawaiian Lifeguard Association

02/15/2026

Our team recently learned about an extraordinary nighttime rescue carried out by the Honolulu Ocean Safety team on Oʻahu.

After dark and in rough conditions, lifeguards launched a personal rescue craft that had been rigged with a makeshift light bar — a critical modification that made it possible to conduct an effective search in near-zero visibility. That ingenuity, combined with skill and determination, allowed the team to locate and reach the victim quickly.

In a remarkable twist, a Garmin watch also played a vital role in the rescue, helping responders pinpoint the individual’s location and ultimately making this lifesaving outcome possible.

This was truly a monumental save, a powerful example of innovation, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to protecting lives in the ocean, no matter the conditions.

Take a moment to listen to this incredible story, and please join us in extending a heartfelt mahalo to everyone involved. Tag and share to recognize the brave professionals who made this rescue possible.

02/15/2026

Last week marked more than a training — it marked a milestone in an international partnership rooted in trust, friendship, and a shared love for the ocean.

On Oʻahu, Honolulu Ocean Safety, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, and Japan Water Patrol came together to expand a lifeguard exchange program that began three years ago. What started as a bold idea has grown into a meaningful bridge between Hawaiʻi and Japan.

The exchange is the brainchild of Taishi Otono President of and and Kalani Vierra, President of — two lifeguards united by purpose.

Inspired by Hawaiʻi’s lifeguards years ago, Taishi returned home determined to build Japan’s first professional lifeguard service. From that vision grew Japan Water Patrol and the Okinawa Lifesaving Association. Kalani later traveled to Japan to help strengthen the program, and for three years Japanese lifeguards have come to Hawaiʻi to train side by side, building skills and lasting bonds.

We are connected by water — and now connected by knowledge.

A true highlight of the week was the graduation ceremony held in Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office. Mahalo to for recognizing this partnership and supporting safer communities across the Pacific.

Mahalo to , , , and every lifeguard who stepped into this exchange with humility and heart.

This is how safer communities are built — through collaboration and friendship across the sea.

02/05/2026

The Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau , along with the Kauaʻi Lifeguard Association , Float To Survive Australia and Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, invites the public to Hawaiʻi’s first rip current educational clinic at Hanalei Bay.

Join internationally recognized ocean safety educator and Bondi Rescue lifeguard Bruce Hopkins on February 18 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Hanalei Beach Pavilion. With over 30 years of experience at Bondi Beach, Hopkins will share practical, prevention-focused knowledge to help beachgoers understand rip currents and surf hazards.

This free clinic will cover how to spot rip currents, what to do if caught in one, general beach safety tips, and lifeguard perspectives on ocean awareness. No cost and no registration required. Come learn how to stay safe and make smart choices in the ocean.

If you are unable to attend but would like more information please visit floattosurvive.au

01/29/2026

Mahalo Nui Loa to OluKai for going above and beyond to support the lifeguards who answer the call every day to keep our beaches safe. 🌊
OluKai generously donates shoes and slippers to lifeguards across the Hawaiian Islands, ensuring they’re supported on and off duty.
OluKai’s unwavering commitment goes beyond footwear, helping fund ocean safety education and drowning prevention efforts that protect our communities.
You can support this mission too by shopping the link in our bio. They even have Makiki HLA shoes or ʻUlele HLA slippers, designed to match our guards in and out of the water. A portion of every purchase gives back to the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.

👉 Visit the link in our bio, head to our website and click the OluKai link, or shop directly at OluKai.com/HLA
✨ Free shipping applied at checkout

12/20/2025

The "Hawaiian Lifeguard" children's book written by Kalani Vierra is available for purchase on the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association website - link in bio. Your purchase supports the mission of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and provides funding for water safety education and teaches keiki about lifeguards and water safety! Orders made through the website include a sticker set of the characters from the book.

11/25/2025

First responders and Ocean Safety officials are giving a tragic reminder about the power of the ocean after three people drowned in Hawaii waters over the weekend.

10/12/2025

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness month. Do you know what the app does?

Kauai Water Safety Officer Chris Pico tells us about the PulsePoint mobile app and how you can register.

When a life-threatening call comes in, emergency responders will be ready and on their way. But what if someone was already at the scene, applying life-saving CPR and defibrillation until they arrive? With PulsePoint, the dispatch center immediately alerts CPR trained individuals about nearby cardiac arrest events through the free PulsePoint Respond mobile app, and also lets them know the location of the nearest AED (automatic, external defibrillator)

09/11/2025

Please vote for the Junior Lifeguard Internship Program grant application in the Workforce Development section of the County Economic Development Innovation grant program.
https://oedinnovationgrant2026.consider.it/

Kalani Vierra

25 proposals are being considered.

07/22/2025

Get Ready for July 25th World Drowning Prevention Day and the Find Your Float campaign!

Prevention

06/27/2025

🚨Just a few days left to purchase the Rescue Craft Manual at our preorder price! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best!

We’re proud and honored to announce the release of the Second Edition of the Rescue Watercraft (RWC)
Training Manual - the result of years of evolving technology, refined techniques, and unwavering commitment to ocean safety.
The Rescue Watercraft remains the most versatile tool in lifeguarding today, with unmatched speed, power, and maneuverability - especially in the critical surf zone. Around the world, countless lives have been saved thanks to the skillful use of these craft by marine safety professionals.
This updated manual is designed to:
• Standardize global rescue techniques
• Support lifesavers in the field Strengthen safety in communities
We want to recognize and honor the visionary leaders who made this possible. Brian Keaulana and Terry Ahue were true pioneers of surf rescue using personal watercraft. Pioneers leaders like Brian Keaulana, Terry Ahue, and other Hawaiian Waterman Lifeguards made this possible. Without agency support, they committed personal resources and overcame countless challenges to create a system that now supports the global ocean rescue community.
A special mahalo to:
• HLA President Kalani Vierra
• With the guidance and support of Brian Keaulana, Archie Kalepa, Terry Ahue, Mr. Ralph Goto, and Hawalian Watermen Lifeguards
Without your leadership and commitment, this second edition would not exist.
We remain committed to our vision: improving ocean safety for all who use Hawaiian waters — and waters around the world - through this continued advancement in rescue techniques.
PREORDER today on our website.
🔗Link in bio
📦Preorders will be shipped by July 15th

06/25/2025

All across Hawai‘i, keiki are diving into Jr. Lifeguards and getting ready for the State Championship! Huge shoutout to the incredible lifeguards who dedicate countless hours to teaching ocean safety and lifesaving skills. 💪🌊

Our HLA Anetik Hooded UPF+30 Tops by are made for long, sun-soaked days—lightweight, breathable, and built for performance. Every purchase helps support our lifeguards, water safety education, and drowning prevention programs.

Available now in our online store—hit the link in our bio and gear up for your next ocean adventure!

06/04/2025