Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau

02/22/2026

02/09/2026

National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for the east-facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Kahoolawe and the Big Island through Tuesday morning. https://www.khon2.com/local-news/high-surf-warning-issued-for-east-facing-shores-throughout-the-islands/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KHON2_News

02/09/2026

--Ocean Safety Bureau invites the public to Okinawan Lifeguard Exchange Program certificate ceremony--

LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau, in partnership with the Okinawan Lifesaving Association and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, will host a certificate ceremony on Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m. at the Mo‘ikeha Rotunda in Līhu‘e.

The event celebrates the completion of the second year of the Lifeguard Exchange Program, an intensive, week-long training that brings together lifeguards from the Okinawan Lifesaving Association and the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau. The program focuses on water safety, rescue operations, and the exchange of best practices, while introducing new lifesaving techniques.

From February 16 through February 20, Okinawan lifeguards will participate in hands-on training sessions at key locations across Kaua‘i, each presenting unique ocean rescue challenges. Training will include rescue scenarios at remote sites such as Kīpū Kai Cave and Port Allen Harbor, where participants will gain experience navigating hazardous water conditions.

On the South Shore, lifeguards will conduct coastal patrol training at Po‘ipū and Nukumoi Towers, focusing on monitoring high-traffic beaches and performing rescues in challenging environments. Training will then move to the Eastside, where participants will practice rip current rescues and all-terrain vehicle operations at Keālia, Lydgate, and Anahola.

Weather permitting, the program will also include training along the Nā Pali Coast, featuring rescue exercises involving caves and watercraft. The week will conclude at Kalapakī Beach with drills that combine calm and hazardous water conditions, capped by a 1,000-meter run and swim challenge.

For more information, please contact the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 or oceansafety@kauai.gov.

If you need an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 or oceansafety@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

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02/09/2026

--Ocean Safety Bureau invites the public to rip current clinic at Hanalei Beach--

HANALEI – The Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau, in collaboration with the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, invites the public to Hawai‘i’s first rip current clinic, presented by internationally recognized ocean safety educator Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins. The clinic will take place on February 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hanalei Beach Pavilion.

This is a no-cost clinic, and registration is not required.

Hopkins is one of Australia’s most respected senior lifeguards and a global authority on rip currents and surf hazards. With more than 30 years of frontline experience at Bondi Beach in Sydney, one of the world’s most visited and challenging surf environments. He has participated in thousands of rescues and preventative safety interventions and is a global ambassador for the Float to Survive campaign.

Hopkins focuses on helping beachgoers understand how the ocean works and how to respond safely before emergencies occur. He is also widely recognized through the international television series Bondi Rescue, where his clear explanations have helped audiences better understand surf safety and the professional role of lifeguards.

Rip currents remain one of the leading causes of beach rescues and drownings worldwide. Hopkins emphasizes a "Float to Survive" prevention-first approach, teaching people to recognize danger, make safer decisions, and reduce the need for rescues.

Clinic topics will include:
- How to identify rip currents before entering the water
- What to do if caught in a rip current
- Understanding common surf hazards
- Beach safety for residents and visitors
- Lifeguard perspectives on prevention and public education

For more information, please contact the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 or oceansafety@kauai.gov.

If you need an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 or oceansafety@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
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02/05/2026

Weather, ocean conditions and safety information for Kaua'i. Information provided directly by the lifeguard and fire departments.

01/30/2026

Aloha delivered to your door.

01/30/2026

HOSD deployed their rescue jet ski operators to the scene, where they found the swimmer and brought him back to shore: https://www.khon2.com/local-news/ocean-safety-rescues-man-off-manana-island/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KHON2_News

01/25/2026

Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau officials are advising no swimming or other ocean activities at Kealia Beach due to a shark sighting.

OSB officials report that a 12-foot tiger shark was sighted at Kealia Beach today, Jan. 24, at approximately 3:20 p.m. No injuries were reported. – Hawaii News | The Garden Island

11/05/2025

A 12-year-old junior lifeguard is being hailed a hero for assisting multiple people who were thrown from a boat that capsized while leaving the Harbor on Sunday.

The small vessel overturned after being struck by breaking surf near a harbor jetty shortly before 10:30 a.m., according to the Oceanside Fire Department. The incident was witnessed by lifeguard personnel, who reported that there were five victims in the water.

Crews arrived to find the 25-foot powerboat capsized with the five victims distributed among multiple private vessels. A rescue boat, along with the assistance of several private vessels in the immediate vicinity, brought all five victims to the dock, where a fire engine and ambulance were standing by. Following a medical evaluation, three patients were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

“One of the assisting boats carried a 12-year-old Oceanside Junior Lifeguard, a four-year participant in the city’s summer program, who played an impressive role in coordinating the private rescue response” officials said Monday evening. “He witnessed the vessel capsize and quickly waved down a nearby jet ski.” He then directed the operator of the jet ski to assist in bringing three victims onto his family’s fishing boat.

While going back to the lifeguard dock, the boy provided first aid to a patient with a leg injury, applying gauze and tape to control the bleeding. When another patient began shivering, he selflessly offered his own clothing to keep her warm.

“This incident showcases exactly what the Junior Lifeguard Program is all about,” said Lifeguard Sergeant Lola Swank. “Our youth learn not only lifesaving skills but also how to stay calm, think critically, and help others in moments of crisis. We couldn’t be more proud to see one of our Junior Lifeguards put those lessons into action in a real-life rescue.”

The vessel was removed from the water following the rescue. The Oceanside Fire Department reminds all boaters to always check ocean conditions, wear life jackets, and exercise caution when operating on the ocean.

🎥: Surfline.com