“pah-leh-kah-nah” [Hawaiian]
Safe / safety; to protect, rescue, or recover
Aquatic Safety Program
At Palekana Aquatics Academy (PAA), we believe that every keiki deserves the knowledge, skills, and experience to be safe and enjoy the water. Our Elementary School Aquatic Safety program brings life-saving swim and water safety education directly into Hawaiʻi’s schools—making it accessible to all children, regardless of their background, physical condition, socio or economic circumstance.
Every Keiki Deserves to Be Water-Safe
Our program is designed for elementary students in grades K–5, ensuring children learn critical aquatic survival skills during the years they need them most. By embedding lessons into the school day, we eliminate the barriers of cost, transportation, and access—giving every child the opportunity to thrive in Hawaiʻi’s aquatic environments.
Standards-Based Curriculum
Partnering with PAA provides schools an aquatic safety curriculum aligned with state and national health and physical education standards. Designed specifically for elementary students, the program ensures instructional time is academically valuable, while also providing students with critical life-saving skills.
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Families Benefit From Equitable Access
Not every family can afford private swim lessons—or has the time and resources to get kids there. By providing instruction during school hours, at no cost to families, PAA ensures that lifesaving aquatic skills reach children across all communities, especially those most at risk.
Join us in making aquatic safety education accessable to elementary students here in Hawaiʻi.
10-Lesson Curriculum – Students participate in 30-minute lessons, aligned with the DOE school quarter.
Balanced Instruction – The program blends classroom learning (understanding risks, recognizing hazards, safe behaviors) with in-water practice (floating, treading, safe entries and exits, and survival swimming techniques).
Knowledge objectives combined with physical activities promotes active learning and fosters the retention of students’ skills.
Small-Group Learning – With an average 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio, children receive individualized attention based on their skills and comfort level.
All Levels and Experience – Lessons are tailored to beginners through intermediate swimmers, ensuring that all students grow in both confidence and competence.