Press Releases
Click on a title to view each press release.
Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued two people from the water off the backside of the Mokulua Islands. The call came in at 5:53 p.m. for a female, who was in extreme distress hanging onto a makeshift floatation device. The woman was attempting to kayak back to shore from the island in high winds when her kayak tipped over. A man, […]
Honolulu Ocean Safety Rescues DiversFebruary 24, 2023
Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued three divers today about 500 yards off shore near Alligator Rock on the north shore. The three male divers called 911 just before 12:30 p.m., when the motor on their 10-foot Livingston boat malfunctioned. Ocean Safety lifeguards responded via jet ski and towed the boat with the divers onboard to shore safely. No injuries were reported.
Honolulu Ocean Safety Rescues Boaters After Equipment MalfunctionFebruary 22, 2023
Just after 4:00 p.m. today, Honolulu Ocean Safety along with the Honolulu Fire Department and the Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Waterfront Operations, responded to a sailboat in distress off of Windward O'ahu. The boat, described to be a 25-foot vessel, with four people onboard was first said to be in trouble near the Mokulua Islands but quickly moved towards the Marine Corps Base Hawai'i. Lifeguards made contact with the boat […]
Promotion of Ocean Safety Mobile Responders Includes First Wahine Lifeguard Supervisor In More Than 100 YearsFebruary 22, 2023
HONOLULU — A promotion ceremony Wednesday at Paki Hale near Kapi`olani Park was significant for two reasons for the city’s Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division. The promotion of four new Lieutenants ,who will serve as mobile responders, marks the completion of the first phase of growth in the division toward “extended hours” coverage on […]
HESD Responds To Injured Surfer On Oahu's North ShoreJanuary 9, 2023
Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to a 33-year old stand-up paddler surfing Monday morning, who suffered a head injury at Pipeline. The surfer hit his head on the reef after taking off on a wave as part of an organized event. The event's private lifeguards, Hawaiian Water Patrol, brought the man to shore where Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards administered […]
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