NAWILIWILI — When the 2022 Keiki and Junior Lifeguard program got underway this week, Kelsey and Kiani Ortiz were among the staff of instructors leading the young 8 through 17 through the paces of the sold-out program at Kalapaki Beach.
“Kelsey and Kiani are the daughters of Randy Ortiz, who started this program,” said Chantal Zarbaugh of the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association, one of the program’s sponsors. “It’s so nice to see the next generation of lifeguards taking over for their father.”
The week-long Keiki and Junior Lifeguard program demonstrates ocean awareness and lifesaving skills led by the instruction crew from the Ocean Safety Bureau. The first classes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ran last week at the Salt Pond Beach Park.
“I used to be able to do 100 when I was in the Emergency Room,” said Dr. Monty Downs of KLA who stopped to see if any of the young people could do 100 pushes within a minute’s time at the cardiopulmonary training station. “What? Only 69? I think I’ll go back to my office.”
That turned the program back to the field of youngsters trying achieve 100 pushes within a minute to earn the ice cream treat put forth by veteran lifeguard Tyrus Siale.
The CPR training is just one of the skills learned by participants in the free course with severe size limits for the safety of all. Other skills involving hands-on learning include first aid, teamwork and problem solving, and beach hazards and ocean safety awareness.
“I was there, before,” said Micah Nobriga, one of the current instructors who explained the correlation of Beach Flags to water safety. “That was a long time ago. But these kids need something to do during the summer.”
Next week, the program moves to the Hanalei Pavilion followed by the program meeting at Wanini Beach from July 11 through 15. Due to the turnout and interest, a final week takes place at Kalapaki Beach from July 18 to 22 with the state championships taking place at the Ala Moana Beach Park on July 30.
Chantal of KLA said she understands that the other locations are already filled up. There is a wait list, but she says usually people just show up in the event there are some late-minute dropouts or no shows.
The Ocean Safety Bureau remains focused on protecting the health and safety of keiki and community and follows CDC recommended guidelines for COVID-19. This leads to the state championships being more of a fun meet than a competitive event, Zarbaugh said.
The Keiki and Junior Lifeguard program is sponsored in part by the County of Kaua‘i, the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, and other sponsors that care about Kaua‘i’s youth.
