January 14, 2026. George Centeio works with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education as an Educational Specialist for Physical Education, supporting schools across the state in helping students build healthy, active lives. His work connects physical education, student well-being, and real-world safety, especially important in a place like Hawaiʻi, where water is part of everyday life.

In this conversation, we talk about how education, particularly physical education, can help keep Hawaiʻi’s keiki safer in and around the water. It’s a discussion grounded in the reality of growing up surrounded by ocean, rivers, and pools, and why water awareness is truly a life skill here.

George explains why water safety is about much more than swimming lessons. It’s about understanding conditions, recognizing risk, knowing your limits, and learning how to respond when something goes wrong. These are skills that build confidence, not fear—and when they’re taught early and reinforced over time, they can prevent tragedies.

We also explore how schools can play a meaningful role by weaving water safety into education standards and everyday learning. Physical education offers a natural place for these lessons, especially when schools partner with lifeguards, community groups, and programs like Nā Kama Kai on the west side of Oʻahu, bringing learning out of the classroom and into real environments.

The takeaway is hopeful and clear: drowning is preventable, and education is one of our strongest tools. By starting early, working together, and connecting learning to life in Hawaiʻi, we can better prepare our keiki to enjoy the water safely and create a stronger culture of water safety for everyone.

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