Questions? 💧 We've got answers 💧

Questions? 💧 We've got answers 💧

For Schools and Educators

  • Palekana Aquatics Academy’s lessons are standards-based and fulfill Hawaiʻi DOE health and physical education benchmarks. The 10-lesson program provides measurable learning outcomes while teaching life-saving aquatic safety skills that complement classroom learning.

  • Our Elementary School Aquatic Safety Program is designed for students in grades K–5, reaching keiki during the years when safety education has the greatest long-term impact.

  • The program combines classroom-based lessons with in-water instruction. Students learn to recognize hazards, assess risk, and demonstrate safe behaviors such as floating, treading, and survival techniques — developing both knowledge and movement skills that promote lifelong water safety.

  • All PAA instructors are trained and certified professionals with experience in aquatic safety and education. Many are local educators and coaches who share our mission to keep Hawaiʻi’s keiki water-safe.

  • A participating school needs access to a pool (on-campus or nearby) and staff support to coordinate class schedules. PAA provides the curriculum, instructional materials, and certified instructors for both classroom and in-water sessions.

  • Schools can contact us through the Partner With Us form on palekanaaquatics.org. We’ll work with administrators to plan schedules, facilities, and curriculum integration that align with school-day instruction.

For Parents and Families

  • Not exactly. While children practice aquatic movement and safety skills, our focus is on developing both knowledge and confidence to make safe choices in and around the water. The goal is to help every keiki become water-safe — not just a better swimmer.

  • Each class maintains an average 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio. Certified instructors and lifeguards are always present, and all pools undergo site safety assessments before lessons begin.

  • Even experienced swimmers benefit from learning hazard awareness, emergency response, and situational decision-making — skills not typically covered in traditional swim instruction.

  • No. Palekana Aquatics Academy provides all instruction at no cost to families. The program is funded through partnerships, grants, and community donations to ensure equitable access for all keiki.

  • Yes. Our curriculum supports students of all physical abilities, backgrounds, and comfort levels. Instructors adapt lessons to meet individual needs, ensuring every child builds both competence and confidence in the water.

For Donors and Community Partners

  • Hawaiʻi has the second-highest per capita drowning rate in the U.S., and drowning remains the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1–15. Our islands’ close connection to the ocean makes prevention through education essential to protect our keiki.

  • By delivering lessons during school hours, we remove barriers like cost, transportation, and access — ensuring that lifesaving aquatic education reaches every community, especially those most at risk.

  • Palekana Aquatics Academy is a 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to aquatic injury prevention. Donations fund pool rentals, instructional equipment, instructor training, and curriculum delivery — expanding access to schools statewide.

  • Yes. Local businesses and community organizations can partner by sponsoring schools, funding program materials, or supporting instructor certification. Partnerships are a vital part of sustaining and expanding our mission.

  • You can donate, volunteer, or share our message to help make aquatic safety education accessible to all keiki. Visit palekanaaquatics.org to join our community and help end preventable drownings in Hawaiʻi.