Statewide ocean safety conference set for Kauai in early August

LIHUE — The annual Statewide Ocean Safety and Drowning Prevention Conference is set for Aug. 2-3 at the Kauai Marriott Resort at Kalapaki Beach.

“Kou Kuleana — My Responsibility” is the theme of this year’s conference. News anchorman Keahi Tucker will be the keynote speaker.

Each lifeguarding agency from across the state will give island reports on ocean safety related issues and information. The conference will also feature speakers from the Kauai Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center; Namahoe, Kauai’s voyaging canoe; and NaKama Kai kids program.

Attendees will be educated about ways they promote ocean safety. Topics will also cover snorkeling concerns and hydrofoiling safety.

The public is welcome. Those who work in the lifesaving or visitor industry — such as hotels, airlines, cruise ships, car or ocean equipment rentals — are encouraged to register.

Registration for the two-day conference is $150 and includes continental breakfast and lunch on both days. Registrants can choose to participate on one of the two days for $75. To register, call the Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984 or email dvierra@kauai.gov.

The annual Statewide Ocean Safety and Drowning Prevention conference is held on Kauai once every four years, as the conference location rotates between each county.