Honolulu Lifeguard Fights for HEARTS Act Funding After Near-Fatal Heart Attack

A veteran lifeguard from Honolulu has taken their fight for cardiac arrest preparedness to Washington. After surviving a heart attack at 54, they are now pushing Congress to fund a law that could save thousands of lives. Their mission is personal—and urgent. The lifeguard, with 25 years of experience at Ocean Safety in Honolulu, suffered a heart attack while swimming. Bystanders performed CPR and used an AED, keeping them alive until paramedics arrived. That quick response made all the difference.

In 2024, Congress passed the HEARTS Act, which helps schools buy AEDs, train staff in CPR, and set up emergency plans. But without funding, the law remains ineffective. The lifeguard recently travelled to D.C. to urge lawmakers to secure the money through the Labor-HHS appropriations process.

Every year, over 350,000 Americans—including 23,000 children—experience cardiac arrest outside hospitals. Survival often depends on the first few minutes. Schools with AEDs see a 70% survival rate for children, far above the national average of 10%.

The lifeguard insists that anyone can save a life with the right training and tools. Their message is clear: funding the HEARTS Act will put those tools in schools where they’re needed most. The push for funding continues as lawmakers review the budget. If approved, the HEARTS Act could equip schools nationwide with life-saving devices and training. For the lifeguard, this fight isn’t just about policy—it’s about giving others the same second chance they received.