Support ocean safety, get a tax deduction

The end of the year is fast approaching and many may be wondering which Kaua‘i non-profit organizations to make a donation to. The Kauai Lifeguard Association makes a huge difference here on Kaua‘i. It is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to the advancement of Ocean Safety in and around Kaua‘i waters.

The organization has sponsored the four-time state champion Jr. Lifeguard Program for the past six years, raising over $30,000 for the program, and helped train hundreds of Kaua‘i youth in ocean safety skills and rescue techniques.

In addition, the association sponsored the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Conference in January, which brought ocean safety awareness to leaders in the visitor industry.

Furthermore, the Kauai Lifeguard Association has brought attention to both residents and visitors by providing ocean safety banners at the Lihu‘e Airport and handing out ocean safety brochures around the island.

The Kauai Lifeguard Association continues in its effort of advancing ocean safety on Kaua‘i and across the state. It works tirelessly with the Kauai Fire Department’s Ocean Safety Bureau, the Kauai Water Safety Task Force, the Kauai Visitors Bureau and Kauai Explorer.com, not only to increase awareness, but to provide better lifeguard services for Kaua‘i, help develop training programs and provide needed equipment that might not be available otherwise.

Anyone can assist the association in its efforts this holiday season by making a tax-deductible donation to the organization. Its staff is strictly voluntary, so 100 percent of donations will be used to help make Kaua‘i waters safer.

Donations must be made before Dec. 31 to get the tax deduction for 2007.

For more information, e-mail kla_aaronh@msn.com or call 635-9110.

To make a donation, make checks payable to Kauai Lifeguard Association and mail to Kauai Lifeguard Association. P.O. Box 573, Kalaheo, HI 96741.