Three weeks of fun and hard work in the sun is about to heat up to boiling point today, as the Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguards go for the gold at the island championships in Hanalei at 9 a.m. The group started
Three weeks of fun and hard work in the sun is about to heat up to boiling point today, as the Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguards go for the gold at the island championships in Hanalei at 9 a.m.
The group started off in Kealia and Po‘ipu from July 11-15, then Hanalei and Salt Pond from July 18-22, and yesterday, the participants ended their training at Kalapaki Beach.
Ironically, this year’s state championships will also be held at Kalapaki Beach, near Duke’s Restaurant on August 6, where Kaua‘i will try to defend its state title.
Heading up the list of front-runners this year are Eric Oroc, Emma Makepa-Foley, Kelly Joyce, Scott, Nathan, and Rachel Martin, Jackie Brady, Randy Umetsu, Cyril Botelho, and Ben Baldwin, just to name a few.
Throughout the three weeks, the Jr. Lifeguards learned to develop an awareness of beach hazards and problems, received training in ocean safety and beach skills, developed knowledge of first aid and CPR techniques, learned about health and fitness, attained teamwork and good sportsmanship traits, and possibly gained a step towards being a lifeguard.
The program is provided in part by the County of Kaua‘i, the Kaua‘i Fire Dept. Ocean Safety Bureau, and the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association.
