Press Releases
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Just after 3:45 p.m., Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a 911 call for five stand-up paddlers on the Mokulua Islands unable to get back to shore. Lifeguards responded via jet ski and truck. Lifeguards made contact with the group, two men and three women, who were being blown by high winds away from the islands. Lifeguards […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued a 26-year old visitor from the Mokulua Islands May 7, 2023. The 911 call came in at 12:40p.m., for the man who fell roughly 15-feet, injuring his left knee and suffering multiple abrasions. Lifeguards via jet ski responded and within minutes of the call, secured the patient and brought him to Kailua Beach. Onshore […]
Just before 2:00 p.m. May 6th, Honolulu Ocean Safety and bystanders rescued a 46-year old surfer offshore Waikiki. The man was surfing the surf break "Canoes", when he hit his head on his board, injuring himself. Surfers assisted him and lifeguards via jet ski, brought him to shore. Medical care was transferred to the Honolulu Emergency Medical […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to two swimmers in distress off of Spitting Caves. The 911 call came in just before 6:00 p.m. Two males, an 18 and 19-years old, jumped off the roughly 60-foot cliffside and were struggling to stay above water. At the time of the incident it was raining and windy. Lifeguards via jet ski […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a 76-year old snorkeler who went unresponsive in the waters off Hanauma Bay. The incident happened around 8:00 a.m. Lifeguards spotted the woman struggling roughly 10-feet offshore. Ocean Safety rescued her and brought her lifeless body to shore. Onshore, lifeguards performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and applied an automated external defibrillator (AED). Following […]
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
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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