Okinawan lifeguards complete inaugural Lifeguard Exchange Program with Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau

Nine lifeguards from Okinawa, Japan, underwent a series of hands-on training sessions from Feb. 17-21 at various key locations around Kaua‘i, each offering unique challenges for ocean rescues, as part of the inaugural Lifeguard Exchange Program.

A special certificate ceremony was conducted Feb. 21 at the Mo‘ikeha Rotunda in Līhu‘e to honor the Okinawan lifeguards who completed the program.

“Because you are here, and you have shared your experience with our people, consider Kaua‘i your home,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami. “As soon as you put your feet on our soil, you are part of our people, our ‘ohana.”

The Lifeguard Exchange Program — a partnership between the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau and Okinawan Lifesaving Association — is an intensive weeklong training program involving various water safety and rescue exercises.

Lifeguards from both organizations shared best practices with each other and Okinawan personnel learned new techniques.

“It gives me great joy to collaborate with the Okinawan Lifesaving Association,” said Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Kalani Vierra. “This partnership is not just about sharing knowledge, it’s about embracing our diverse cultures and learning from one another.”

Participating Okinawan lifeguards took part in rescue scenarios at remote sites such as Kīpū Kai Cave and Port Allen Harbor, where they gained experience in hazardous water conditions.

On the south shore, they focused on coastal patrol training at Po‘ipū and Nukumoi Towers, learning to monitor high-traffic beach areas and perform rescues in challenging surf conditions.

The training then moved to the east side of the Garden Isle, where the lifeguards practiced rip current rescue techniques and all-terrain vehicle operations to access Keālia, Lydgate and Anahola.

They also trained at the Nā Pali Coast, where they conducted rescue exercises involving caves and watercraft. The week concluded with training at Kalapaki Beach, combining calm and dangerous waters and a 1,000-meter run/swim drill.

Okinawan Lifesaving Association lifeguards who completed the exchange program were:

• Marina Tanikawa.
• Kotaro Miyabayashi.
• Takumi Yanagihara.
• Hayato Kobiyama.
• Makiura Soyo.
• Junichiro Ichikawa.
• Toma Hayakawa.
• Yutaro Kijima.
• Taishi Otono.

These lifeguards hailed from various coastal cities in Okinawa, including Okinawa City, Miyako, Zamami and Ishigaki.

“Our shared goal is to ensure the safety of our communities while offering compassionate and professional service to those we serve,” said Vierra. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”