Kaua’i County lifeguards started jetskiing at normally-restricted beaches on Monday and will be run until the end of September. Thirteen of the County’s Ocean Safety Bureau personnel will receive 80 hours of jetski training in varying conditions in waters off
Kaua’i County lifeguards started jetskiing at normally-restricted beaches on Monday and will be run until the end of September.
Thirteen of the County’s Ocean Safety Bureau personnel will receive 80 hours of jetski training in varying conditions in waters off Ha’ena, Hanalei, Kealia, Po’ipu and Kekaha.
The five high-risk beaches will receive one jetski each for ocean rescues following the completion of the training.
The Ocean Safety Bureau’s training will include physical exercises, operating the jetskis, maintenance and safety procedures, said Ocean Safety Supervisor Kalani Vierra, who attended training on Maui and will serve as the jetski instructor for the Kaua’i lifeguards.
The county will own seven operational jetskis after the training is complete, though only five will be placed at beaches, Vierra said. One will be kept as a backup and another for training, Vierra said.
The County has job vacancies for three water safety officers, Vierra said. Applicants must know how to swim, be 18 and possess a valid driver’s license.
Interested people must also have completed lifeguarding certification, CPR and First Aid training from the American Red Cross. Qualified individuals should call the fire department at 241-6500 for more information and get an application at the County personnel office.
People who want to learn to swim should call the County of Kaua’i Parks and Recreation division of the Public Works department.
Although the Ocean Safety Bureau will be on jetskis at restricted areas, the public can’t bring their jetskis out unless they have a special permit from the County and Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Currently, jetskis are allowed from Salt Pond Beach Park to Polihale State Park; and from Hanama’ulu Beach Park to the Kilauea Lighthouse; while all rivers, Po’ipu and Hanalei areas are restricted.
