Big Island Schools Mandate Water Safety Classes After Youth Drownings

HILO, Hawaii — Public schools across Hawaii Island adopted a mandatory water safety curriculum this spring, requiring all students to learn drowning prevention skills following a series of tragic youth incidents. The initiative, first reported by Honolulu Civil Beat, builds on the Alexand & Duke Derego Foundation's targeted program for middle schoolers, emphasizing ocean awareness and risk recognition. With Hawaii facing a statewide drowning crisis—highlighted by the Hawai‘i Water Safety Plan launched in 2025—Big Island educators partnered with local experts to integrate the lessons islandwide.

The curriculum, inspired by Palekana Aquatics' model, covers risk recognition, safe behaviors, emergency response and aquatic survival skills, offered at no cost to ensure equitable access. On the Big Island, Department of Land and Natural Resources education specialist John Kahiapo coordinates related aquatic programs, focusing on safe recreation in Hawaii's nearshore environments. Stats underscore the urgency: 88% of child drownings happen with an adult present, often distracted, and 70% occur outside swim times like backyard pool access. Recent cases, including keiki lost to rip currents off Puna and Kona shores, prompted the Hawaii Island Department of Education's swift action.

"Our ocean is our backyard, but it's unforgiving," said foundation representatives, noting the program's hands-on practice in pools and beaches from Hilo to Kailua-Kona. Complementing YMCA tips like arm's-reach supervision and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for kids under 13, the classes ban breath-holding games and mandate water watchers. As Maui's 'School to Pool' program succeeds on that island since February 2026, Big Island leaders aim for similar impact, training thousands of students by school year's end.