The Tamayo Perry Awards
This summer, the Tamayo Perry Foundation partnered with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Ocean Safety’s Junior Lifeguard Program to introduce the Tamayo Perry Awards, recognizing the character, values, and individuality of Junior Lifeguards across Oʻahu.
For eight weeks in June and July, hundreds of young participants took part in the Junior Lifeguard Program at 16 locations across Oahu. The program provides youth with practical ocean and lifesaving skills, including ocean awareness, rescue techniques, CPR, physical fitness, and teamwork.
The Tamayo Perry Awards were created to recognize another important part of the Junior Lifeguard experience: character.
At each location, lifeguard instructors selected seven participants who demonstrated qualities that reflected the spirit and values Tamayo Perry carried throughout his life. In total, 112 Junior Lifeguards received Tamayo Perry Awards during the summer.
The Awards
The AwardsThe Politeness Ninja Award
Recognizing kindness and consideration for others.
The Pirate Award
Recognizing presence, creativity, and personality.
The Leopard Spot Award
Recognizing individuality and authentic self-expression.
The Little Things That Matter Award
Recognizing attention to detail and an understanding that small actions can make a meaningful difference.
The Epic _____sider Award
Representing their side of the island with heart and hustle.
The Selflessness Award
Recognizing those who consistently put others first.
The Challenge Award
Recognizing grit, endurance, and ocean proficiency.
The awards were designed to complement the Junior Lifeguard Program’s emphasis on physical and technical skills by recognizing the qualities that contribute to strong teammates, capable leaders, and good members of the community.
Special mahalo to City and County of Honolulu Department of Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager, Operations Chief Adam Lerner (both members of the Tamayo Perry Foundation), Junior Lifeguard Program Coordinator Shannon Tuninei, and the entire Ocean Safety ʻohana for their partnership and support.
Oʻahu Junior Lifeguard Championships
The summer concluded with the Oʻahu Junior Lifeguard Championships on August 2, 2026. The Foundation supported the event by presenting Tamayo Perry Awards to the top male and female performers in the Iron Guard.
The Iron Guard is a demanding test of endurance and ocean proficiency, combining three lifesaving disciplines back-to-back:
- 500-meter beach run
- 200-meter ocean swim out to designated buoys and back
- 200-meter rescue board paddle through the surf and back to shore
The event challenges Junior Lifeguards ages 11–17 to put their fitness, swimming ability, ocean awareness, and board-handling skills to the test.
Congratulations to Spike Jones Stedman and Elianna Schiffer on being recognized as the top male and female Iron Guard performers!
State Junior Lifeguard Championships
On August 8, 2026, the Foundation continued its support of Junior Lifeguards at the State Junior Lifeguard Championships, where participants from across Hawaiʻi came together to compete and demonstrate their ocean and lifesaving skills.
The Foundation presented the Tamayo Perry Award to the top male and female performers who demonstrated outstanding performance while also exemplifying humility and sportsmanship.
Congratulations to Spike Jones Stedman and Kahelelani Brede on their awards!
2026 Sponsors
The Tamayo Perry Foundation is grateful to the businesses, organizations, publications, and photographers who supported the 2026 Tamayo Perry Awards. Their generosity helped us recognize Junior Lifeguards throughout Oʻahu and celebrate the qualities that extend beyond performance in the water.
Brands & Organizations
Magazines
Photographers
What started with seven awards in 2025 grew to 112 awards across Oʻahu in 2026. Mahalo to our sponsors, Ocean Safety lifeguards and instructors, volunteers, families, and Junior Lifeguards who helped make that expansion possible.
Through the Tamayo Perry Awards, we are honored to celebrate the next generation of ocean athletes, leaders, and community members while carrying forward the values Tamayo embodied both in and out of the water. We’re beyond excited for next summer!