Program teaches life-saving techniques During its five years, the Kaua’i County-sponsored junior lifeguard program has become popular with youths because they learn about nature, how to improve themselves physically and mentally and how to save lives. This year, the number
Program teaches life-saving techniques
During its five years, the Kaua’i County-sponsored junior lifeguard program has become popular with youths because they learn about nature, how to improve themselves physically and mentally and how to save lives.
This year, the number of participants is expected to swell due to increased interest in the program, sponsors say.
Up to150 youths between the ages of 13 and 18 are expected to sign up. To handle the increased numbers, the program has been expanded from three to five training sites this year, said Kaleo Ho’okano, who heads the county’s Ocean Safety Division.
Participants learn how to report emergencies, administer first aid, build swimming skills and stamina, and how to use motorized water rescue craft.
The skills can help prevent ocean mishaps or drownings, Ho’okano said. Three drownings off Kaua’i waters have been reported this year.
“You can save lives with what you learn. What you learn, you can use the rest of your life,” Ho’okano said, noting life-threatening situations can occur anywhere and at any time.
From the training, participants will be taught to recognize dangerous water conditions and how to avoid them, county lifeguard Myles Emura said.
Youths also learn how to treat unresponsive victims and to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The program has motivated participants to pursue careers as lifeguards. After going through the training, Hanalei resident Jeff MacIntosh aspired to become a lifeguard, Ho’okano said.
MacIntosh, now 19, mans a lifeguard station in Hanalei Bay. “He is a great lifeguard, because he is dedicated,” Ho’okano said.
In the past, training sessions were held at Kalapaki Bay, Salt Pond in Hanapepe and the North Shore. This year, classes will be held in Hanalei June 18-22, Kalapaki June 25-29, Po’ipu July 2-6, Salt Pond July 9-13 and Anahola July 16-20. Classes will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants can register by calling Ho’okano or Myles Emura, a county lifeguard, at 241-6840.
To qualify for the program, participants must be able to run and swim 100 yards without stopping. Participants should bring face masks, snorkels, swim goggles and lunch and snacks, Emura said.
Youths who complete the program will receive a junior lifeguard shirt and certificate.
A junior lifeguard championship will be held for the participants on July 28 at Kalapaki Beach.
Funding for the program has come from private sources. Donating funds this year are Duke’s restaurant, JJ’s Broiler, Progressive Expressions in Koloa, Nukumoi Beach and Surf Shop, Kaua’i Surfing Association, Mike and Curt Smith, residents of west Kaua’i, Kai Kane store, Hanalei Surf Co., Hawaii Lifeguard Association and Wave Riders Against Drugs.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
