Press Releases
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Honolulu Ocean Safety Rescues Seven People Off of Magic IslandJanuary 28, 2024
On Sunday, January 28th, Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a group of people struggling to stay above water after the vessel they were onboard, capsized off of Magic Island. The call came in just after 8:30 a.m. and it was reported that a 15-18 foot zodiac flipped in the surf and seven people, none who wearing life jackets, were […]
On Friday, January 26th, 2024, Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to four kayakers who were roughly 100 yards offshore Lanikai Beach. Just after 2:00 p.m., lifeguards were on a jet ski patrol near the Mokulua Islands, when they were waved down by one of the kayakers. Three people were in the water wearing life-jackets, while the fourth was still in one of the double kayaks. After […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to the Mokulua Islands just after 1:15 p.m. on January 25th, for a woman who possibly dislocated her shoulder. Ocean Safety says the 63-year old woman was stand-up paddle boarding when she was knocked off her board and suffered the injury. Lifeguards via jet ski rescued the woman and brought her to shore […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued nearly two dozen kayakers just after 10:00 a.m., on January 6h, 2024, after the large group got into trouble in the ocean near the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse. The group was part of a guided tour which started at the Makai Research Pier in Waimānalo, with plans to make its way around […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety Rescues OC-1 PaddlersDecember 29, 2023
On Friday, December 29th, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to two OC-1 paddlers in the waters off of Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base Hawai'i. One of the canoe's broke into multiple pieces, and the paddler was hanging on. The other man was able to call 911 for help. Ocean Safety lifeguards via jet ski responded and rescued the man, one-mile from shore. Lifeguards brought the man […]
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.
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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
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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