WAILUA — More than 10 Junior Lifeguards were enjoying the wind-blown swells buffeting Lydgate on Tuesday. “They’re on lunch break,” said Bruce Stine, one of six Kauai Junior Lifeguard instructors. “Eugene Ancheta, a lifeguard instructor, is out there because he
WAILUA — More than 10 Junior Lifeguards were enjoying the wind-blown swells buffeting Lydgate on Tuesday.
“They’re on lunch break,” said Bruce Stine, one of six Kauai Junior Lifeguard instructors. “Eugene Ancheta, a lifeguard instructor, is out there because he just has to get wet.”
The Junior Lifeguards were on the second day of their week-long class at the popular beach destination in Wailua.
“We almost didn’t have this class,” said Ancheta. “Two weeks ago, there were only four people signed up, and at the final days leading to the program, we had more than 10 people sign up, and the class became a reality.”
Members of the Kauai Junior Lifeguard program are the current state champions, a title they’ve held for nine consecutive years.
“This morning, the kids worked with risk management, drowning prevention and basic rescue skills,” Stine said. “Following the lunch break, we’ll have some ocean relay events incorporating what they learned this morning. Following the relays, we’ll work on some of the events at the state competition.”
Stine said following the ninth title acquired by the Kauai program, he was asked what he attributes to the success of the program.
“We have a lot of good sports programs, which lend their talent to the Kauai Junior Lifeguard program,” Stine said.
The group is eyeing its 10th state crown later this summer on Maui.
Stine said they are also meeting to discuss sending the Kauai team to the Manhattan Beach, Calif. National Championships.
This will be the first time the state of Hawaii will be fielding a team for a chance at the national title. Kauai Lifeguard Association is supporting the program by making donations, which will cover all training, equipment and travel costs.
Starting Monday, the Kauai Junior Lifeguards will meet at the Poipu Beach Park, and starting July 8, move to Hanalei. The Kalapaki Beach site will be hosting its classes starting July 15.
Registration for the Poipu, Hanalei and Kalapaki sites are still being accepted, with forms being available at any of the lifeguard towers, or by calling the Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984 or 241-4168.
The Keiki Junior Lifeguard program is sold out for this year.
The Kauai Junior Lifeguard program is free and open to Kauai youth ages 13 through 17, teaching ocean safety and lifesaving skills during the week-long session.
Eligibility into the program is based on the individual’s ability to swim and run 100 yards nonstop with no assistance, as well as provide 100 percent at all times.
Participants are also asked to bring their own lunch, drinks, towel and sunscreen during the class.
Stine, Ancheta, Kaiimi Kaneholani, Sanoe Hookano, Randy Ortiz and Kalani Vierra head up the instructor team, which touches on hands-on learning, drug awareness, rescue skills, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, first aid, teamwork, problem solving and beach and ocean awareness.
Joining KLA in supporting the Kauai Junior Lifeguards, is Deja Vu Surf Hawaii, Foxhead Clothing and Duke’s Canoe Club.
Alaska Airlines adds its support to the KLA with a KQNG Radio AM 570/FM 93.5/94.5 live radio auction on Monday. Pairs of airline passes to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies will provide travel for two to any of the more than 90 destinations served by Alaska Airlines.
One pair will be live auctioned at 7 a.m. with Ron Wiley, and an additional pair of tickets will be auctioned at 4 p.m. with Marc Valentin. Each pair of round-trip tickets is worth a total of $2,500. The starting bids for each pair will begin at $750 with the winning bids to KLA being tax deductible.
Donations for this year’s Kauai Junior Lifeguard Program are being accepted by Dr. Monty Downs, president of KLA, at 822-3695. Contributions can also be made through Vierra, the director of the Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau, at 241-4984, or 635-0980.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
