Big Island Lifeguard Association
The Big Island Lifeguard Association (BILA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by Ocean Safety Lifeguards of the Hawaiʻi County Fire Department. BILA was established to support ocean safety education and community awareness across Hawaiʻi Island.
With the island’s rapidly growing population and increasing number of visitors, BILA works to ensure that both residents and tourists understand the unique and often challenging ocean conditions found around Hawaiʻi Island. Through educational programs, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with local agencies and community organizations, BILA promotes safe ocean recreation and helps reduce preventable water-related incidents.
Our Goals
The Big Island Lifeguard Association (BILA) works to provide ocean safety–focused educational and instructional programs for both first responders and the broader community. A central focus of our efforts is youth education through our Junior Lifeguard Program, which teaches keiki essential ocean safety skills, environmental awareness, and respect for Hawaiʻi Island’s unique coastal conditions.
By empowering young people with knowledge and practical skills, BILA helps build safer communities while preparing the next generation to safely enjoy and protect Hawaiʻi’s ocean resources.
Guarded Beaches
Hawaiʻi Island contains some of the most diverse geographical features, climates, and ocean conditions in the world. For visitors and residents who may be unfamiliar with the island—especially in more rural areas—it is important to choose beaches with lifeguards whenever possible.
Below is a list of lifeguarded beaches on Hawaiʻi Island where trained ocean safety personnel are present to help ensure a safer beach experience.
Incident Breakdown 2025- Present
1,413,341
Preventative Actions:
Warnings
Education
Public Contact
12,432
Water Patrols
1,059
Jet Ski Rescues
34,015
First Aid
1,094
Rescues
103
Missing Person
86
Major Medical Aid
