Press Releases
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On Saturday, March 9th, Just before 5:00 p.m., Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to an unresponsive windsurfer roughly 250 yards offshore Kawaikui Beach Park. A group of OC-1 paddlers recognized the man in distress and kept the man afloat until first responders arrival. Lifeguards via jet ski brought the man to shore. Onshore, lifeguards performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took […]
On Sunday, March 3rd, Just before 3:30 p.m., Honolulu Ocean Safety, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Honolulu Fire Department and the Department of Land and Natural Resources responded to an approximate 90-foot sailboat which ran aground in distress in the spot know roughly 500 yards offshore Fort DeRussy in Waikīkī. Onboard the vessel were approximately […]
On Saturday, March 2nd, Honolulu Ocean Safety, the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and the Honolulu Fire Department responded to a possible shark bite. The 911 call came in just before 1:30 p.m., for an 11-year old girl who may have suffered a shark bite to her left foot at spot known as “Rainbows” in Ka‘a‘awa […]
On Monday, February 25th, Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a 25-year old surfer who was found unresponsive by surfers at Pipeline. The 911 call came in just after 6:30 p.m. The tower at 'Ehukai Beach closed at 6:30 p.m. but lifeguards were still in the parking lot and ran down the beach to help. Surfers helped bring the man close to shore, and with lifeguards […]
HESD Responds To Unresponsive Swimmer Off of WaikīkīJanuary 31, 2024
On Wednesday, January 31st, Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to an unresponsive swimmer off of Waikīkī Beach. The call came in just before 3:45 p.m. The man was said to be swimming roughly 150 yards offshore when bystanders noticed him in trouble. Lifeguards paddled out on rescue boards and brought the man to shore. Lifeguards performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation on […]
Survivor Reunion Stories
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and Honolulu Ocean Safety have played a vital role in countless survivor stories throughout their rich histories. Read some of the heartwarming survivor stories that have been documented over the years.
Read the StoriesMedia Coverage
Read some of the latest news stories published by our media partners.
Honolulu Ocean Safety On Patrol During North Shore's Winter 2023
Hawaii News Now's Lynn Kawano and Photographer Peter Tang follow along with the lifeguards on the north shore.
watch the HNN storyHonolulu Ocean Safety, Honolulu EMS Reunite With Surfer Who Nearly Drowned at Pipeline
Hawaii News Now was there when 25-year old Austin Gibbons and his mother thanked the heroes who helped to save his life.
watch the HNN storyNational Telecommunications Week 2023: What to know before you need to call 911.
KHON interviews Ocean Safety dispatcher to learn how to be prepared when calling 911 for an ocean emergency.
Read the khon storyIolani School Teacher Saves Life Of Elderly Choking Victim
Honolulu EMS talks to HNN about the importance of knowing life-saving measures and thanks the Good Samaritan for stepping in to help.
Read the hawaii news now storyHawaii sees dramatic increase in fentanyl-related overdoses reported in September
The deadly drug fentanyl has surfaced in Honolulu. Hawaii News Now talks to EMS about what crews are seeing on the road.
Read the hawaii news now storyPreliminary Investigations Find Oxygen Connection Started Ambulance Fire
Separate investigations conducted on the fire that erupted in an EMS ambulance in August 2022, found it sparked when the main oxygen link was connected to a portable oxygen tank.
Read the Story on civil beatHESD Director Gives Update On The EMS Ambulance Fire
Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director Jim Ireland gives an update on the tragic ambulance fire, that left a patient dead and an EMS paramedic critically injured.
Read the update on the EMS ambulance fireScores of Ocean Rescues Made on Oʻahu’s South Shore During ‘Historic’ South Swell
Warnings about a “historic” south swell with waves approaching 20 feet and dangerous rip currents predictably did little to keep surfers out of the water Saturday, leaving Honolulu Ocean Safety personnel to handle the consequences.
Read About the historic swellOcean Safety Crews Report a Busy Day in Oʻahu’s Waters
Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards made a number of rescues today around Oʻahu of people in the ocean who found themselves in trouble.
Read about the rescuesAt 10, He’s Credited With Saving His Mom’s Life. All in a Day’s Work for This ‘Junior Paramedic’
Cody Agnell helped save his mom's life with his quick thinking and call to 911.
Read Cody's storyVideos
Watch some of our featured videos.
KITV4 Rides With Honolulu EMS During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Highlighting Heroes
Honolulu Ocean Safety Keeping the South Shore Safe
Hawaiʻi News Now Follows EMS Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
Honolulu EMS: Coronavirus Crusade