The group started out with just 13 participants listed, but by the time the session got underway, there were a total of 22 young ocean enthusiasts following a trio of water safety officers through stretching exercises at the Kealia Beach
The group started out with just 13 participants listed, but by the time the session got underway, there were a total of 22 young ocean enthusiasts following a trio of water safety officers through stretching exercises at the Kealia Beach Monday.
The scene was the opening day of the 2004 Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguard program that will culminate with the island championships at Kalapaki Beach on July 31.
Kalani Vierra, one of the instructors, was happy to see the good turnout for this year’s program, noting that he sees a lot of the participants on a regular basis each time he visits the Kealia tower.
Personal safety and 9-1-1 is the emphasis for the young water people that spanned the ages of 13 through 17 years old, and throughout the different phases on opening day, instructors would prompt the water people for the 9-1-1 response.
Following the stretching exercises, a short run, and assessment swim, the group lost little time getting down to the business of rescuing people utilizing several pieces of lifeguard equipment including the torpedo buoy, a boogey board, and in extreme cases, no equipment at all, Vierra stressing before any rescue attempt, rescuers should contact 9-1-1 before entering the water.
Vierra also stressed that would-be rescuers not exceed their capabilities.
The program starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday with next week’s classes starting in Po‘ipu.
Hanalei, one of the more popular sites, according to Vierra, will run from July 12 – 16 with Kalapaki Beach sessions taking place from July 26 – 30.
Finalists at the July 31 championships will advance to the state competition that will take place on O‘ahu, Aug. 14.
