Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat
Health Officials Are Perplexed By Hawaiʻi Snorkeling Deaths
Snorkeling claims the lives of dozens of tourists each year. Some who lost loved ones or nearly drowned themselves say not enough is done to warn people of the risks.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
Civil Beat Series On Ocean Safety Wins National Award
Staff coverage of the 2025 Salt Lake fireworks explosion also earned recognition in the National Headliners competition.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Photo Essay: Learning How To Survive A Rip Current In Hawaiʻi
This lifeguard helped launch an ocean safety campaign in Australia. Can his tips for escaping deadly rip currents save lives here?
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
Divers Are Dying Near The Surface. Now There’s A Call For Safety Warnings
Freediving is one of the leading causes of fatal drownings for Hawaiʻi residents. Now lawmakers and safety advocates want labels on equipment — and more.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Where Are Honolulu’s Wāhine Lifeguards? 19 Out Of 20 Are Men
Hawaiʻi has some of the lowest rates of female lifeguards in the country. As more women surfers claim a spot in the lineup, there’s hope that might change.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026
Honolulu’s First Ocean Safety Chief Faces Big Decisions
Newly sworn-in Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager sat down with Civil Beat to discuss his plans for keeping Oʻahu beachgoers safer.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
800 Drownings And 12 Years Later, Hawaiʻi To Step Up Anti-Drowning Efforts
After more than a decade of refusing to convene the task force charged with putting up warning signs at dangerous beaches, the state is now recommending the group meet again.
Blaze Lovell/CivilBeat/2020
Kirstin Downey: Proposed Charter Change Might Bring More Swimming Lessons
The idea is to allow Oʻahu to solicit private donations to broaden access to free instruction.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025
Former Lifeguard Chief Who Sparred With Mayor Is Finalist For His Old Job
After falling out with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi a year and a half ago, former Ocean Safety Chief John Titchen is interested in getting his job back.
(Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
Shortage Of Swim Lessons Leaves Honolulu Parents Scrambling
Nonprofits are expanding efforts to reach more low-income kids, but a shortage of funding and pool space means not enough swim classes to meet the demand — even for families with money and time to spare.