LIHU‘E — Class was in session yesterday at Kaua‘i High School, but not in the classroom, instead the pool took aim for a slew of “Learn to Swim” graduates of the Mokihana Aquatics program. So far this year, over 350
LIHU‘E — Class was in session yesterday at Kaua‘i High School, but not in the classroom, instead the pool took aim for a slew of “Learn to Swim” graduates of the Mokihana Aquatics program.
So far this year, over 350 certifications have been handed out, which is the biggest turnout in over 20 years for Mokihana head coach Orlando Anaya.
“We should go over 500 for the year because we still got three more sessions to go,” Anaya said.
Coach “O” also noted that without the help from certain individuals, the program wouldn’t have been able to even come close to the numbers that showed up so far this season.
“Our helpers and Jr. Lifeguards deserve much of the credit. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this program,” Anaya said.
Mokihana Aquatics members Kesia Anaya, Kelsey Tanaka, Stephen Valenciano, Keyah-Leilani Agoot, Jody Fukushima, Makana Waiamau, Sinead Sims, Megan and Chelsea Chock were on hand to help out the youngsters, as they completed a task that could become helpful in the water.
“This is how we prevent drownings. I’m stoked because I know these kids can prevent an unfortunate incident in the water,” Anaya said.
Other instructors who weren’t able to make the graduation due to prior arrangements were Courtney Wilson, Michelle Woltman, and Ben Baldwin.
“The best part of graduation is not showing off, but getting to play,” Anaya said as the group of graduates were treated to a fun game that included diving for coins at the bottom of the pool.
For Corrine Murata, who was supporting three “Learn to Swim” graduates (Daughters Jenna Kaluna and Jacie Murata, and Neice from Las Vegas Taylor Murata), the program seems to make a lot of sense considering where we live.
“I’m proud of them and how they improved from the start. They stuck it out and worked really hard. We’re surrounded by water so it’s great to learn skills that could be used in the ocean,” Murata said.
Intermediate graduate Natalie Lewis seemed ready for her big day in the pool, as she got ready to show off the skills she learned throughout the weeks of training.
“I learned ocean safety and how to swim and be safe in the water, plus I’m very happy because I get to move up to the ‘Swimmers’ level,” Lewis said.
Lewis also mentioned that she plans to pursue a career as a lifeguard.
Mokihana Aquatics is Kaua‘i’s only USA Swimming sanctioned club and don’t forget to enter or come out and watch the First Annual Kahu Kai Fastest Swimmer Competition on August 6 at Kaua‘i High School’s pool, starting at 9 a.m.
For more information, contact Anaya at 821-0587.
