The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association is a non profit organization that supports water safety efforts.
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
05/19/2025
Congratulations to Ka’iulani Bowers, honored as the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s Lifesaver of the Year!
Ka’iulani leads with strength, heart, and unwavering dedication. As an exceptional lifeguard and lead instructor in our Jr. Guard program, she’s inspiring the next generation of ocean safety leaders.
This year’s award was made even more meaningful as she accepted it with her beautiful daughter in her arms—a powerful reminder of the legacy she’s building.
Mahalo, Ka’iulani, for your outstanding service, and to Kurt Lager for your steadfast leadership in Hawaii’s lifeguard ‘ohana.
A special mahalo to Governor Josh Green for joining us in presenting this award and for his continued support of Ocean Safety across our islands.
05/06/2025
With heavy hearts, we come together to honor the memory of a beloved Hawaiian legend, Uncle Clyde Aikau.
He was not just a fearless big wave surfer and the brother of Eddie Aikau, but a true embodiment of the Hawaiian spirit. His legacy and passion will forever be cherished in our hearts, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association is a professional association incorporated in the State of Hawaii, with
United States Internal Revenue Service 501(c) status.
The association was organized in 1990, as an offshoot of the former Hawaii Lifesaving Association, a local
chapter of the United States Lifesaving Association. The re-organization was reformed as a matter of
refocusing the association to deal with specific educational issues related to providing lifeguarding and
ocean safety services in Hawaii's unique culture and ocean environment.
The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association seeks to:
- establish and maintain the highest standards of professional surf and open water lifesaving in an effort
to maximize the safety of the public in ocean and coastal waters throughout the State of Hawaii.
- provide public, professional, and governmental education in the field of ocean safety, particularly in the
areas of rescue management, emergency medical care and treatment, and to conduct informational and
educational activities designed to prevent aquatic emergencies in Hawaiian waters.
- actively support and promote the improvement and progression of lifesaving throughout the State of
Hawaii.