Junior Lifeguards To The Rescue!
With summer coming on, the city’s Junior Lifeguard program is open at locations around Oahu to kids who want to increase their ocean IQ
A paddleboard racer dashes out of the water during last
summer’s Junior Lifeguard program
to-face rescues, to high-tech riding on the board behind the jet ski; it’s the highlight of the course,” says Miller.
They also do instruction on basic first aid and CPR. It is not a CPR certification course, but it does familiarize the kids with the methods if needed to be used with friends and family. An ambulance even comes down and they let the teens climb in the back and get introduced to the work of EMTs.
With all this valuable information and enjoyable beach activities, why do the kids get to have all the fun?
“Parents often ask us about the ‘senior lifeguarding program,’” says Miller with a smile, whose program is just for 13- to 17-year-olds.
“We’ve targeted the kids who are the high-risk group.
“These are the kids hopping on the bus and going surfing by themselves. These are the ones becoming independent and going out of the supervised areas. This helps them enjoy the beach and get out there and share the message of ocean safety.”
The seven separate sessions culminate in the Junior Lifeguard Championships held on July 29 at Ala Moana Beach Park. The public is encourage to come watch them compete in a variety of activities, from paddling and swimming competitions to the 1,000-yard beach run.
There will be courses taught at five beaches this year: Ala Moana, Kailua, Ehukai, Waimanalo and Pokai Bay (Leeward Coast). Miller encourages parents who are interested to get the kids registered right away.
“A lot of the kids in Waimanalo and Waianae are doers - they see the program and want to do it,” says Miller. “I want their parents to get them signed up right away because the program fills up quick,and then they have to wait for next year.”
The program is free, though they do ask for a $25 donation, when possible, so access is available to any, as long as they are registered in time.
To get your kids involved, you can register them online at www.myjuniorguards.com or give Miller a call for paperwork at 589-2251.
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