Ocean Safety

Lifeguards

Ocean Safety Officers (OSO), or lifeguards, are on duty every day from 8:00 am - 4:45 pm.

As part of the island-wide 9-1-1 Emergency System, all OSO are trained above and beyond Unites States Lifesaving Association (USLA) certification and all are certified in American Heart Association (AHA) CPR for Health Care Provider and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). Each OSO is skilled in rescue techniques using equipment such as rescue boards, tubes and fins, jet skis, four-wheel drive ATV's, and first aid supplies.

Lifeguard Towers

  • South Side: Kamaole 1, 2, 3 Beach Parks
  • West Side: Hanakao'o Beach (a.k.a. Canoe Beach, DT Flemming Beach Park
  • North Shore: Kanaha Beach Park, HA Baldwin Beach Park, and Ho'okipa Beach Park
  • East Side: Hana Bay (Fridays during Summer and Winter Pals Program days only)

Safety Tips

  • If you are unable to swim out of a strong current, signal for help
  • Rely on your swimming ability rather than a flotation device
  • Look for, read, and obey all beach and safety signs
  • Protect the environment. Refrain from touching all reefs. Help keep the beaches clean and Hawaii beautiful.
  • If in doubt, don't go out!
  • Swim in life guarded areas
  • Never swim alone
  • Do not dive into unknown water or into shallow breaking waves
  • Do not attempt to dive over large waves
  • Ask a lifeguard about beach and surf safety before swimming


Ocean Safety Brochures

The Official County of Maui Ocean Safety Guide contains important information on rip currents, waves, sharks and a map of Maui's lifeguarded beaches.

Review a list of important "Swim Safe" Shark Tips: Safety tips for swimmers, snorkelers, surfers, standup paddlers, divers and spearfishers.


Ocean Safety Video

If in Doubt, Don't Go Out!