Reality series takes a look at Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguards

LIHU‘E — The County of Kaua‘i has given Serge and Jennifer Marcil the green light to move forward with producing a reality TV series about the Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguards program.

For now, the working title of the show is “Saving Lives,” but Serge, the creative producer at 4Dventures, said the name will likely change.

“We pitched the idea seven months ago,” he said. “Since then it’s been all about clearing all the channels and making sure everyone is on board.”

Having received the go-ahead, the company is scheduled to begin shooting a 5-minute teaser for the show March 18. A preliminary meeting and open casting call will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Kalapaki Beach in Lihu‘e. Auditions are open to Kaua‘i youth ages 12 to 16.

Just as the Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguards program is designed to teach young people ocean safety and lifesaving skills through a hands-on approach, so will “Saving Lives,” according to Serge.

Although not yet funded, Serge and Jennifer’s plan is to produce and shoot “Saving Lives” over the course of a full year.

Season 1 of the series — composed of 13 30-minute episodes — will chronicle the journey of eight young trainees as they work toward earning a spot in the 2013 Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguard squad.

In addition to Kaua‘i beaches and various other venues where the trainees practice and compete, the show will be set in schools and community centers, showing that to be a Junior Lifeguard also requires excelling in school and being an active member of the community.

While the context is water and ocean safety, Serge said the show is really about Kaua‘i youth who are involved in their communities and doing the right thing.

“It is a reality TV program, but in the world of television the word ‘reality’ almost has a negative connotation,” he said. “What we’re hoping to do is provide positive role models.”  

Each episode will center around a dominant ocean-safety theme — such as basic prevention, intervention techniques and qualities needed to be a lifeguard — as well as specific sub-themes, including marine ecology, traditional Hawaiian water wisdom and meteorology.

“Given the recent drownings here on Kaua‘i, water safety awareness is more important than ever and our project precisely aims at promoting prevention,” Jennifer wrote, executive producer of 4Dventures.

On Monday morning, two men were swept out to sea near Kalihiwai on Kaua‘i’s North Shore.

One man was rescued while the other is still missing and presumed dead, which would bring the total number of drownings for 2013 to nine.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Robert Westerman agreed that the project is “especially important” in light of the recent rash of drownings.

“We have been talking with Serge for several months and are excited about this project and the opportunity to bring a greater awareness of ocean safety on Kaua‘i, throughout the state and even around the world,” he said. “We have to take every opportunity to educate and prevent tragedies for visitors and residents.”

After completing the teaser for the show, Serge said he will approach different broadcast stations and sponsors in an effort to secure funding.

“Whether we have someone get on board or not, we are going to be filming,” he said.

Over his 25-year career, Serge has directed more than 300 hours of television programming for a range of broadcast stations, including Discovery and National Geographic.

The Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguards program was started in 1997 with approximately 12 young members. In 2012, 225 participants registered for the summer program.

The Kaua‘i Junior Lifeguards are nine-time reigning state champions and will be looking for a tenth consecutive title at the 2013 State of Hawai‘i Junior Lifeguard Championships on Maui in July.

“I felt like this is a perfect setup for a TV show,” Serge said. “This is something we believe in.”

For more information visit 4Dventures.com or call Serge Marcil at 212-6473.  

• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-0441 or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.