LIHUE — The Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau with support from the Hawaii Lifeguard Association announces the start of an inaugural Junior Lifeguard Internship Program.
LIHUE — The Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau with support from the Hawaii Lifeguard Association announces the start of an inaugural Junior Lifeguard Internship Program.
Starting Monday, four enrolled participants, who must be at least 15 years or older, will receive a full, one-week training course similar to the OSB lifeguards. The goal of this Internship Program is to educate and train the island’s youth on ocean safety awareness, perform rescues, administer first aid, and learn CPR and AED techniques.
The hope is to encourage the four participants to become co-instructors in the summer Junior Lifeguard Program, and eventually become a county lifeguard in the future.
During the 40-hour training period, participants will learn and certify for CPR and first aid as well as earn their Open Water Lifeguard Certification.
All uniforms and gear, as well as daily lunch and refreshments, will be provided by the Ocean Safety Bureau and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.
The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association also will be compensating all the enrolled participants.
Participants are obligated to bring their own towels, medications and other personal, special swim gear, and commit to 100 percent participation for the week.
OSB Chief Kalani Vierra said the participants will meet with Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami after the week of training.
He is also hopeful the Lifeguard Internship Program, which is the first of its kind in the state, will grow larger.
