Hawai‘i is known for its beautiful beaches and year-round access to ocean recreation, but beneath the surface lies a troubling reality. According to the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH), roughly half of the state’s children don’t know how to swim. This alarming statistic underscores a deeper issue — Hawaìi has the second-highest rate of resident drownings in the U.S., and drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 15 in the state, the DOH reports.
Despite the ever-present risks, there has been little coordinated effort to address this crisis. Schools are required to provide water safety education in at least one grade level, but these lessons are often brief and lack real-world practice. A proposed bill aims to establish a pilot program for teaching water safety skills in local pools, yet the Hawai‘i Department of Education has been hesitant to take the lead.
Barriers to Water Safety Education
While swimming lessons can be life-saving, many families face financial and logistical challenges. Audrey Harrer, executive director of Water Safety Hawai‘i, provides drowning prevention lessons for children as young as six months, along with scholarships for families that cannot afford the cost.
However, access to these lessons remains unequal — children from lower-income schools are far less likely to develop basic water skills compared to their more affluent peers.
Even when free swimming lessons are available, demand outstrips supply. The City and County of Honolulu, for instance, offer free swimming lessons for children, but spots fill up quickly. On Oahu’s Westside, where there are no public pools, access to formal water safety education is even more limited.
Historical Efforts and Legislative Challenges
Hawai‘i came close to implementing a statewide swimming program in the early 1980s. The nonprofit Sea Trek introduced a “drownproofing” initiative in public schools, teaching thousands of fourth graders survival swimming skills. However, the program ended in 1986 when the Board of Education chose to focus on core subjects like math and reading instead.
More recently, the Hawai‘i Aquatics Academy sought to provide free water safety lessons by pairing schools with local pools and instructors. Before its closure in 2023 due to financial struggles, the
Drowning is the leading cause of death for 1- to 15-yearolds in Hawaiʻi, according to DOH data from 2019 to 2023. The majority happen in swimming pools. Credit Department of Health. academy projected it could provide lessons for as little as $100 per student. Now, similar efforts are far more costly — one pilot program slated for this spring will cost $500 per child.
Who Should Take the Lead?
Many experts believe Hawai‘i needs a central authority to coordinate drowning prevention efforts. Sarah Fairchild, executive director of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, argues that the Department of Education is best positioned to take on this responsibility. However, the DOE has resisted, citing limited time and funding for physical education initiatives.
One potential model for Hawai‘i is Seattle’s Swim Seattle initiative, which provides free swimming lessons to low-income children through public-private partnerships. Leadership from the mayor’s office was instrumental in making the program a success. In contrast, Hawai‘i lacks a clear champion at the state level to push for a similar large-scale effort.
A Path Forward
Hawai‘i lawmakers are now considering House Bill 1234, which would fund a two-year pilot program offering water safety lessons to an elementary school near a public pool. While a small step, advocates hope it could lay the groundwork for broader legislative support.
Drowning prevention expert Alissa Magrum emphasizes that real change often requires a legislative mandate. “Unfortunately, people need that legislative mandate to get it done,” she said.
With no clear leadership and continued resistance from the DOE, Hawai‘i’s children remain at risk. While nonprofits and community organizations are working to fill the gap, a statewide initiative remains elusive. Until a sustainable, coordinated effort is established, the state’s child drowning crisis will persist — putting thousands of young lives in danger each year.
How the Industry Can Help
Industry professionals have a unique opportunity to contribute to drowning prevention efforts. Pool service companies, equipment manufacturers, industry organizations like IPSSA (Independent Pool and Spa Service Association) SPAH (Swimming Pool Association of Hawaìi) PHTA (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance) and other water safety advocates can support organizations working to expand access to swimming lessons and water safety education.
Several nonprofits are actively addressing this issue and could benefit from industry support, including:
• Water Safety Hawai‘i – Offers scholarships and lessons for children as young as six months old. (www. watersafetyHawai‘i.org).
• Nā Kama Kai – Focuses on ocean safety education for children. (www. nakamakai.org).
• Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation – Supports water safety programs and community outreach. (www.dukefoundation.org).
•Alex & Duke De Rego Foundation – Provides water safety education to middle school students. (www. alexanddukederegofoundation.com).
Ways to get involved include sponsoring scholarships, donating equipment, offering financial support for nonprofit initiatives, and advocating for legislative action.
By working together, the pool and spa industry can play a critical role in preventing child drownings and making Hawai‘i’s waters safer for everyone.
