Safety & Stewardship

Preparing for a safe, respectful, and successful voyage together.

Paddle for Life is a remarkable experience because of the people who make it possible—our paddlers, escort boat captains, safety teams, medical volunteers, cultural advisors, and community partners.

Every participant shares responsibility for protecting one another, respecting the ocean, honoring Lānaʻi, and helping ensure that Paddle for Life can continue for years to come.

Safety and stewardship are not separate responsibilities—they are part of the same commitment to caring for one another and for the places that welcome us.

Every Paddler Has a Responsibility

Come Prepared

Arrive physically prepared for the crossing by hydrating well, eating properly, getting adequate rest, and bringing any personal medications you may need. Paddle for Life cannot accommodate every dietary or medical need, so participants are responsible for planning ahead.

Look Out For One Another

Every paddler is encouraged to watch over their crew, speak up when something feels wrong, and report concerns early. Small issues addressed quickly often prevent larger emergencies.

See Something, Say Something.

Follow Event Leadership

Our safety team, escort boat captains, team captains, medical personnel, and volunteers work together under a coordinated safety plan.

Please follow directions from event leadership throughout the voyage so we can keep everyone safe.

Honor the Experience

Safety extends beyond the water. Caring for one another, respecting Lānaʻi, and protecting the environment are all part of what makes Paddle for Life possible.

Before Your Launch

Every participant must complete the following before participating in Paddle for Life:

✓ Water Safety Training

✓ Cultural Orientation

✓ Safety Briefing

✓ Signed Participant Waiver

✓ Team Float Plan Submitted

These requirements help ensure that every participant is prepared before launching across the ʻAuʻau Channel.

On the Water

While every crossing is different, a few core practices help keep everyone safe throughout the voyage.

Always

Wear your USCG-approved PFD at all times while on the water.
Stay with your canoe and assigned buddy system.
Maintain communication with your escort vessel.
Know where emergency equipment is located.
Stay hydrated and fueled throughout the day.

Never

Remove your PFD while on the water.
Leave your canoe without direction.
Transfer between canoes outside of established procedures.
Share medications or unapproved food.
Consume alcohol or controlled substances during the event.

Water Changes

The Highest-Risk Moment of the Voyage

Water changes require patience, communication, and teamwork.

Every participant should understand the procedures before entering the water.

Key reminders include:

Enter one at a time.
Support the iako during transfers.
Call your seat number.
Stay grouped.
Count heads.
Raise your hand when ready for pickup.
Keep clear of propellers.
Do not move the vessel until every paddler is accounted for.

Detailed procedures are available in the Water Change Safety Protocol.

View Water Change Safety Protocol

Marine Wildlife & Ocean Stewardship

The ʻAuʻau Channel is home to extraordinary marine life.

As we paddle through these waters, we have a responsibility to respect and protect the animals that live here. These protections are both legal requirements and expressions of respect for Hawaiʻi's marine ecosystems.

Spinner Dolphins

Remain at least 50 yards away.

Never pursue, surround, or interfere with dolphins.

Humpback Whales

Remain at least 100 yards away whenever whales are present.

Sea Turtles & Coral

Please do not touch turtles or coral at any time.

If Someone Needs Help

Stay Calm. Follow Your Training.

If someone is in distress:

REACH • THROW • ROW

DON'T GO

Use available flotation, paddles, throw lines, or boats to assist whenever possible.

Immediately notify the Safety Team on VHF Channel 74 so trained personnel can respond.

Quick communication is one of the most effective safety tools we have.

Download Participant Safety Resources

These summaries provide an overview of Paddle for Life's safety expectations. All participants should review the role-specific protocols that apply to them before the event.