Teaching Keiki Ocean Safety in Waiʻanae with Support from the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation

FreediveSafe Hawaiʻi recently partnered with the Waiʻanae Boys and Girls Club to share a fun and educational afternoon focused on freediving and spearfishing safety. Sponsored by the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, the event brought keiki together to learn important lessons about staying safe in the ocean while celebrating the cultural traditions that connect us to the sea.

Through videos, discussions, and hands-on activities, participants explored the risks of freediving and spearfishing and learned how to dive safely with a buddy, recognize signs of shallow-water blackout, and respond to emergencies. The afternoon also included giveaways that helped reinforce the safety messages and kept the energy exciting and engaging for the youth who attended.

We ended the day with a creative ta‘ape coloring competition, reminding everyone that while spearfishing is an important practice for food and sustainability, protecting ourselves and our friends in the water is just as important. We are grateful to the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation for making this program possible and to the Waiʻanae Boys and Girls Club for welcoming us so warmly. Together, we can help ensure Hawaiʻi’s keiki grow up with the knowledge and skills to enjoy the ocean safely.

We are deeply grateful to the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation for their continued support over the years, which has allowed us to share ocean safety with communities across Hawaiʻi and inspire the next generation of safe, confident divers. www.dukefoundation.com