Hawaiian Lifeguard Association establishes historic international partnership

The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association has taken a significant step toward strengthening ocean safety and drowning prevention through a historic three-way partnership agreement with the Okinawa Lifesaving Association and the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan.

The partnership represents a shared commitment to advancing lifesaving education, professional development, research, and international cooperation to better protect residents and visitors in island communities.

The international visit and partnership signing ceremony brought together three of Hawaiʻi’s four County Ocean Safety Chiefs, demonstrating a strong commitment to collaboration and professional lifesaving development.

Representing Hawaiʻi were:

• Zach Edlao — Maui County Ocean Safety Bureau Chief.
• Kalani Vierra — Kauaʻi County Ocean Safety Bureau Chief and President of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.
• Kurt Lager — City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety Department Chief.

The Hawaiʻi County Ocean Safety Chief was unable to attend the ceremony.

The participation of these ocean safety leaders highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge, strengthening relationships, and exploring opportunities that can benefit lifeguard services across the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaiʻi and Okinawa share many similarities, including their island cultures, deep connections to the ocean, thriving tourism industries, and the challenges of protecting people from dangerous ocean conditions.

The partnership will focus on several important areas:

• Drowning Prevention: Sharing public education strategies, prevention programs, and lifesaving practices.
• Professional Lifeguard Development: Exchanging rescue techniques, training methods, and operational knowledge.
• Youth and Junior Lifeguard Programs: Creating educational and cultural exchange opportunities for future lifesaving professionals.
• University Internships and Education: Exploring student internships, academic partnerships, research, and hands-on training opportunities.
• International Collaboration: Strengthening professional and cultural relationships between Hawaiʻi and Okinawa.

Kalani Vierra, President of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and Chief of Ocean Safety for Kauaʻi County, emphasized the significance of the agreement.

“This partnership is more than just signing an agreement. It represents a shared commitment to saving lives, building relationships, and creating opportunities for future generations. Hawaiʻi and Okinawa are island communities that share a deep respect for the ocean, and together we can learn from one another to make our communities safer,” said Vierra.

He also recognized the importance of having three County Ocean Safety Chiefs participate in this international initiative.

“Having our Ocean Safety Chiefs from Kauaʻi, Honolulu, and Maui together in Okinawa sends a strong message about our commitment to working collaboratively. Although we represent different counties, our mission remains the same — protecting lives, preventing drownings, and providing the highest level of ocean safety services to our communities,” said Vierra.

One of the most promising aspects of the partnership is the opportunity to connect university students, junior lifeguards, and future lifesaving professionals through educational exchanges and internship programs.

“Education is the foundation of drowning prevention,” Vierra said. “Through this partnership with the University of the Ryukyus and the Okinawa Lifesaving Association, we hope to create pathways for young people to gain valuable knowledge, experience different cultures, and develop into future leaders in ocean safety.”

The partnership represents an important opportunity for the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association to expand its international relationships while continuing its mission of protecting lives through education, prevention, and professional lifesaving.

“The ocean does not recognize borders, and neither should ourcommitment to saving lives,” Vierra said. “Through cooperation, education, and mutual respect, we can build a lasting legacy that benefits our communities for generations to come.”

The agreement reflects the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s guiding motto: “Together for life, connected by water.”