Okinawan lifeguards complete Lifeguard Exchange Program training
Published on February 21, 2025
LĪHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau, in partnership with the Okinawan Lifesaving Association, held a special certificate ceremony on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Mo‘ikeha Rotunda in Līhu‘e.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami acknowledged the lifeguards from Okinawa at Friday’s ceremony.
"Because you are here, and you have shared your experience with our people, consider Kaua‘i your home," said Mayor Kawakami. "As soon as you put your feet on our soil, you are part of our people, our ‘ohana.”
The ceremony celebrated the completion of the inaugural Lifeguard Exchange Program, an intensive week-long lifeguard training program involving lifeguards from the Okinawan Lifesaving Association and Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau personnel. The lifeguards from Okinawa participated in various water safety and rescue exercises, shared best practices with the Kaua‘i OSB, and learned new techniques.
“It gives me great joy to collaborate with the Okinawan Lifesaving Association. This partnership is not just about sharing knowledge; it's about embracing our diverse cultures and learning from one another,” said OSB Chief Kalani Vierra. “Our shared goal is to ensure the safety of our communities while offering compassionate and professional service to those we serve. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
From Feb. 17 to Feb. 21, Okinawan lifeguards underwent a series of hands-on training sessions at various key locations across the island, each offering unique challenges for ocean rescues. They participated in rescue scenarios at remote sites like Kipu 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 Eastside, where the lifeguards practiced rip current rescue techniques and ATV operations to access Keālia, Lydgate, and Anahola. On Thursday, the team trained at the Na 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.
The visiting lifeguards from the Okinawan Lifesaving Association included:
- 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.
Photo credit, Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (HLA), Okinawa Lifesaving Association (OLA) and Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB): Lifeguards from Okinawa training at the Na Pali Coast with OSB personnel.
Photo credit, Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (HLA), Okinawa Lifesaving Association (OLA) and Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB): Okinawa lifeguards practicing hazardous water rescues at Po‘ipū.
Photo credit, County of Kaua‘i: The Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau, in partnership with the Okinawan Lifesaving Association, held a special certificate ceremony on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Mo‘ikeha Rotunda in Līhu‘e.
Photo credit, County of Kaua‘i: A lifeguard from Okinawa receives a certificate for completing of the inaugural Lifeguard Exchange Program.
Photo credit, County of Kaua‘i: Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami attends a special certificate ceremony on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Mo‘ikeha Rotunda in Līhu‘e.
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