HANAPEPE — Although they’re preparing for a competition, the last first thing on Roy Yamagata’s mind is making sure that each Jr. Lifeguard participant learns more about life, as opposed to winning and losing. “I try to focus on encouraging
HANAPEPE — Although they’re preparing for a competition, the last first thing on Roy Yamagata’s mind is making sure that each Jr. Lifeguard participant learns more about life, as opposed to winning and losing.
“I try to focus on encouraging them. It’s not a race and I want them to do more than what they think they can,” Yamagata, the longtime Kaua‘i County Lifeguard said.
Over 40 youths invaded Salt Pond in Hanapepe yesterday for the second week of Jr. Lifeguard practices. Kaua‘i Lifeguard Aaron Habermann noted that there’s another large contingent of Jr. Lifeguards participating in the program this week out in Hanalei.
“They’re getting better and I’m really happy with the turn-out so far,” Habermann said.
Waimea High School athletes were out in full force at the westside beach.
Cyril Botelho, Kelly Joyce, Eric Oroc, the Martin triplets (Scott and Rachel), minus Nathan, Randy Umetsu, and Dawa Bunao were just a few of the Menehune representatives.
Also in attendance at Salt Pond was Island School’s Ben Baldwin, who is Kaua‘i’s top swimmer.
Yamagata, who sat out last season, was asked to help out this year and didn’t hesitate at the chance.
“I just want them to gain confidence, learn swimming skills, get in better condition, and at the same time, make some friends and have fun,” Yamagata said.
The mid-60s 15-year life-guard thinks that one of the strengths of the program is taking shy kids and turning them into social butterflies.
“I like getting them out of their shells. I tell them to not worry and if they can’t do it, the main thing is that they’ve tried their best,” Yamagata explained.
