November 21, 2025 Kalani Vierra is the Chief of the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau and one of Hawai‘i’s most respected and accomplished watermen. Kalani is internationally recognized for his expertise in rescue watercraft (jet ski) operations, and he has trained lifeguards across Hawai‘i and internationally in advanced ocean-rescue techniques. His leadership has shaped how lifeguards respond to emergencies on Kaua‘i’s beaches. Kalani also serves as President of the Hawai‘i Lifeguard Association (HLA), where he helpsguide statewide standards, training, and public-safety initiatives. He was instrumental in the development and growth of the Junior Lifeguard Program, which has become one ofHawai‘i’s most successful youth ocean-safety initiatives. Under his leadership and mentorship, Kaua‘i’s Junior Lifeguards have won multiple state championships. Kalani is also an author of a childrenʻs book, Hawaii Lifeguard.

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October 5, 2025 Dr. Angel Yanagihara is a leading biochemist and toxinologist internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work on venomous marine invertebrates—particularly the box jellyfish (Alatina alata) and bluebottle (Physalia physalis). Based at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, she is an associate researcher at the Pacific Biosciences Research Center and directs the Pacific Cnidaria Research Laboratory. Her research dispels long-held myths about jellyfish stings and establishes evidence-based first aid protocols grounded in cellular and biochemical science. Working in partnership with the U.S. military, Dr. Yanagihara developed Sting No More®, a first-aid product line that neutralizes jellyfish venom and is now used globally in marine safety operations. A global leader in cnidarian envenomation science, Dr. Yanagihara’s research has shaped protocols for beach management, lifeguard response, and swimmer safety worldwide. Her real-life contributions to open-water safety were featured in the 2023 Netflix film Nyad, in which she was represented as part of the scientific and medical support team ensuring Diana Nyad’s successful Cuba-to-Florida crossing.

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September 23, 2025 Kaina Makua is a kalo farmer, cultural practitioner, educator, and actor from Waimea, Kauaʻi. He is a cofounder and executive director of Kumano I Ke Ala which uplifts Hawaiian youth through ʻāina -based education. He operates Aloha ʻĀina Poi Co. which distributes thousands of poi annually revitalizing kalo farming and strengthening cultural food security. In addition to his farming and education work, Kaina Makua plays King Kamehameha in the Apple TV+ series Chief of War. He has some insightful words about water safety and the strengthening Hawaiian culture.

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Bruce Hopkins, head lifeguard at Bondi Beach in Australia. A media personality as well as award-winning lifeguard, Bruce has appeared in 18 seasons of the Australian TV show “Bondi Rescue”. He talks to us today about effective swimming, but even more importantly, effective floating. He also brings an interesting perspective to experiencing rip currents.

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