Benjamin “Jimmy” Barros has officially moved from the lifeguard tower into the executive ranks. On Friday, January 16, 2026, he became the first-ever deputy chief of the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, stepping into a newly created role that adds an extra leadership layer to the island’s lifeguard operations. The position is designed to tighten coordination on training, communications and field reporting across O‘ahu’s beaches. Barros is a 31-year lifeguard veteran who most recently served as captain of District 5 at Hanauma Bay.
Mayor Rolls Out New Role And Promotion
Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced Barros’ promotion and highlighted his decades of service and hands-on work in training lifeguards. As deputy chief, Barros will help oversee daily operations, long-term planning, communications and training initiatives that keep the city’s beach program running smoothly, as reported by KITV.
From Hanauma Bay To Department-Wide Leadership
Barros brings more than 31 years of experience in lifeguarding, emergency medical response and operational leadership, backed by a Master of Public Administration from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. While serving as captain of District 5 at Hanauma Bay, he helped establish the Ocean Safety Training Center, launched the department’s first digital field operations platform and expanded crews’ access to medical tools such as Narcan and pulse oximeters, according to Hawaii News Now.
Barros Steps Up, Says He’s Ready
Taking on the new post, Barros said he was “humbled and grateful” for the opportunity to serve in a broader leadership role, according to Hawaii News Now. Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager called the creation of the deputy chief position “a significant step forward” as the department continues to grow and modernize, the outlet reported.
Why Honolulu Bulked Up Its Ocean Safety Brass
The Ocean Safety Department became a standalone agency in May 2024, after the mayor signed resolutions that reorganized lifeguard services under a dedicated department, per the City of Honolulu. According to the City, the department now has 271 water safety officers, eight rescue ski teams and 42 lifeguard towers watching over roughly 227 miles of O‘ahu coastline.
What Changes Beachgoers Might Notice
City officials say Barros will work alongside Chief Kurt Lager and the Ocean Safety Commission to focus on staffing, training and technology upgrades as the department solidifies its leadership team, as reported by KITV. For everyday beachgoers, that likely translates to more structured training programs for lifeguards and updated field reporting tools that aim to keep Ocean Safety crews ready across O‘ahu’s shores.
