Okinawa and Kauaʻi lifeguards spend week exchanging lifesaving knowledge, culture

Lifeguards from Okinawa completed the Lifeguard Exchange Program and were recognized by the county of Kauaʻi on Friday morning.

The Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau, in partnership with the Okinawan Lifesaving Association, hosted a certificate ceremony at the Moʻikeha Rotunda. During the ceremony, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami congratulated the visiting lifeguards from Okinawa for completing the program.

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

Lifeguards from Okinawa and staff from the Ocean Safety Bureau in Kauaʻi trained with water safety and rescue exercises, shared best practices, and strengthened their lifesaving skills through hands-on collaboration during the weeklong training.

“Hosting these lifeguards allows our staff to learn new techniques while sharing Kauaʻi’s unique ocean conditions and culture,” said Ocean Safety Bureau 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 Kauaʻi, 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 Kauaʻi 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 Yamashita, video crew
• Kazuki Uechi, video crew