Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau

02/25/2026

--Okinawan lifeguards complete exchange training with the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau--

LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB), in partnership with the Okinawan Lifesaving Association, hosted a certificate ceremony on Friday, Feb. 20, at the Mo‘ikeha Rotunda. During the ceremony, Derek S.K. Kawakami recognized the visiting lifeguards from Okinawa and congratulated them on completing the program.

“The exchange of lifesaving knowledge and culture strengthens our ability to protect everyone enjoying Kaua‘i’s waters,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Programs like this build international friendships and make our ocean safety efforts even more effective.”

The ceremony marked the conclusion of the Lifeguard Exchange Program, an intensive week-long training initiative bringing together members of the Okinawan Lifesaving Association and Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau personnel. Throughout the program, participants engaged in water safety and rescue exercises, shared best practices, and strengthened their lifesaving skills through hands-on collaboration.

“Hosting these lifeguards allows our staff to learn new techniques while sharing Kaua‘i’s unique ocean conditions and culture,” said OSB Chief Kalani Vierra. “It’s a valuable experience for everyone involved.”

From Feb. 16 to Feb. 20, the visiting lifeguards trained at several locations across Kaua‘i, each presenting unique ocean and rescue conditions. The sessions included simulated rescue scenarios at remote sites, providing valuable experience in navigating hazardous surf and shoreline environments.

“This program highlights the importance of collaboration between departments and international partners,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Every life we save benefits from these shared skills and experiences.”

This year’s exchange also featured a rip current demonstration clinic led by Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins of Australia, widely regarded as one of the world’s most experienced and respected water safety authorities.

The visiting lifeguards from the Okinawan Lifesaving Association included:
- Taishi Otono, Representative Director
- Kazuhiko Ogawa
-Tsubasa Asato
- Soyo Makiura
- Kazumichi Hosaka
- Michiru Yoshida
- Takanori Asakawa
- Yutaka Koyama
- Shizue Koyama
- Kenji Nagahama
- Ayumu Yamash*ta, Video Crew
- Kazuki Uechi, Video Crew

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02/25/2026

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

02/25/2026

An exchange of lifesaving knowledge and culture – Hawaii News | The Garden Island

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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Send a message to learn more

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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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