#Ocean Safety
Two recruits graduate, joining the ranks of the Maui Ocean Safety division
Two recruits joined the ranks of the County of Maui Ocean Safety Officers during a graduation ceremony on Friday. Kelson Lau and Kevin Smallwood completed the 12-week-long training program that covered not only an extensive variety of ocean rescue skills, but also Emergency Medical Responder and CPR skills, ATV/UTV and RWC operation, and communication protocols.
Paraglider lands off course, rescued from bottom of cliffs below Paʻuwela Lighthouse
A 34-year-old Haʻikū man was rescued from the cliffs below Paʻuwela Lighthouse after sustaining injuries in a paragliding accident, Saturday afternoon.
Kayakers rescued from waters off Pāpalaua Beach Park
Firefighters and Ocean Safety personnel rescued two kayakers, a 37-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, from waters off of Pāpalaua Beach Park in West Maui, Saturday morning.
42 foot catamaran begins taking on water at Māla Wharf in Lahaina
A 42-foot catamaran moored approximately 300 yards off Māla Wharf in Lahaina was reported to be taking on water and sinking on Thursday morning.
Ocean rescue: Paddler airlifted two miles offshore of Spreckelsville
A Maui man was airlifted to safety after becoming separated from his outrigger canoe offshore of Spreckelsville on Tuesday afternoon. The incident was reported at 4:17 p.m. on Jan. 6, along the north shore between Pāʻia and Kahului.
Four recruits graduate joining the ranks of the Maui Ocean Safety Bureau
Makai Farm, Harrison Cannon, James McNeil and Jacob Jacinto completed the 12-week training program. Cannon was given the award for the Best Overall Recruit. The “Surf 50” award, created in memory of fallen Ocean Safety Officer Randy Hillen, was given to Jacinto.
Dramatic video shows dangers of play at China Walls and Spitting Caves
As the summer fun season heats up, a lot of young people and visitors will head toward the rocky shorelines and cliffs on the east side of Maunalua Bay for ocean play. So will first responders, to rescue them.
Maui Ocean Safety officers recognized: 355 ocean rescues made in 2024
In commemoration of Hawaiʻi Water Safety Day on May 14, Ocean Safety officers were recognized for their work in responding to 355 ocean rescues in Maui County last year. This included 245 rescues using watercraft, attending to 257 cases involving beachgoers in need of medical assistance, and 40 that required ambulance service. In 2024, Ocean […]
Maui Ocean Safety crews kept busy by warning level surf
A High Surf Warning kept Maui’s Ocean Safety Officers busy over the weekend, on both the North Shore and the Upper West side of the island, with Jetski operators remaining on-duty until sunset as a precaution.
Kayaker rescued after winds prevent him from returning to shore at Olowalu
A kayaker who was fishing about three-quarters of a mile offshore in Olowalu on Monday morning was rescued after he was unable to return to shore due to winds.
Two visitors from Washington state pulled unresponsive from ʻĀhihi-Kinaʻu in South Maui
Two visitors were pulled unresponsive from waters on the north side of the ʻĀhihi-Kinaʻu Natural Area Reserve in South Maui on Saturday afternoon. Emergency responders were called to a report of swimmers/snorkelers in distress about 100-150 yards offshore at around 12:02 p.m. on Sept. 14, 2024. Authorities have since identified the victims as a 26-year-old woman and 25-year-old man, both residents of Washington state.
Two join ranks of Maui Ocean Safety following 12 weeks of recruit training
The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety added two new Ocean Safety officers to their force after the graduation of Recruit Class 7.
Two ocean rescues conducted at Nāpili Bay on Saturday
Ocean safety crews rescued simmers in distress during two separate incidents at Nāpili Bay Saturday.
Fundraiser launched for family of Maui shark bite victim Jay Carter of Haʻikū
A fundraiser has been set up to help the family of Jason “Jay” Carter, the 39-year-old resident of Haʻikū who died Dec. 30 from a shark bite while surfing at Pāʻia Bay on the North Shore of Maui.
Wildfire recovery includes underwater search for human remains off Lahaina Harbor and breakwall
Underwater search efforts for human remains that began last Saturday, continued today in near-shore waters near the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor and along the Front Street breakwater.
American Medical Response offers swimming safety tips for beachgoers
American Medical Response reminds beachgoers of lifesaving tips to stay safe while enjoying the ocean.
Surfer pulled unresponsive from waters at Kanahā, Maui
A male surfer was pulled unresponsive from waters about a half mile off of Kanahā Beach Park Friday morning, Maui fire officials said.
Multiple ocean rescues at Nāpili Bay, Drowning reported at Kapalua Bay
Ocean Safety personnel and Fire crews responded to multiple emergency calls in the areas of Kapalua Bay and Nāpili Bay at around 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022.
53-Year-Old Visitor Dies in Waters off Kā‘anapali, Maui
A 53-year-old male visitor was pulled unresponsive from waters off Kāʻanapali in West Maui on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 14, 2021. Maui Fire Department crews responded to the beach area fronting 104 Kāʻanapali Shores Place for a report of a possible drowning. The incident was reported at around 3:35 p.m. Crews from Ladder 3 out of […]
Maui Police Issues Safety Reminders for Hiking, Outdoor Activities
The Maui Police Department issued a list of safety reminders today with suggestions on ways to avoid hazards, danger and injury when outdoors. Police advise the public to be especially mindful of weather conditions and their immediate surroundings.
