NAWILIWILI — The sold-out county Junior Lifeguard program at Kalapaki Beach received a surprise visit from the Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union, led by Chantal Zarbaugh, the Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union Business Development Officer and other KFCU representatives, to demonstrate its support of summer programs supported by the Hawai‘i Lifeguard Association.
The visit, where $3,500 was turned over to the HLA through the Kaua‘i Fire Department, represented by KFD Chief Michael Gibson, and the lifeguard staff for the Junior and Keiki Lifeguard programs.
“As financial first responders, the Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union and other donors make a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth,” Zarbaugh said.
“Our assistance allows the HLA to expand essential teaching programs to include more of Kaua‘i’s keiki and juniors, equipping them for future success. We believe in the HLA teaching program, and this grant is a mark of respect for the lives it has saved over 25 years, and the lives it will save moving forward,” she said. “The contribution of our lifeguards is priceless.”
KFCU said in a release that as summer beach crowds peak, teaching awareness of the dangers of the ocean and Kaua‘i’s surrounding coastal environment is paramount to the safety of residents, visitors and first responders. HLA is at the forefront of Hawai‘i’s ocean safety effort, rescuing and preventing loss of life.
The HLA Kaua‘i Chapter is challenged by funding constraints necessary to operate programs during the summer months.
Funding is essential for equipment, educational curriculum development participant supplies, and land extra part-time lifeguard staffing to keep eyes on all participants who attend the summer programs. The critical work of HLA Kaua‘i Chapter aligns with KFCU’s mission to service the people who teach, care for and protect our island, investing in a secure future for Kaua‘i youth. The Kaua‘i Keiki and Junior Lifeguard program has proven to be an empowering program for youth ages 8 to 17 years old since it started in 1977.
The program provides HLA training free of charge at locations including the Hanalei Pavilion, ‘Anini, Kalapaki Bay and Salt Pond Beach Park. Generally, these sites are sold out before classes take place from Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
HLA staff teach keiki and juniors lifesaving skills, respect for others, positive values, healthy habits and education through games. KFCU said keiki can take these skills and values anywhere they go in life, and it is an honor when students go on to become lifeguards in the Ocean Safety Bureau.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
