Keiki swimmers took to the ocean recently to test their skills in the first step to joining the Junior Lifeguard Program.
Swimmers ages 12 to 17 spent Saturday morning at Richardson Ocean Park and Punaluu Beach Park running and swimming a 200-meter course to see if they qualify to join Hawaii County’s Junior Lifeguard Program.
Those who finished the course with endurance, decent timing and good technique were invited to register for the program after the test.
“The program is meant to teach boys and girls from 12 to 17 years old the standards that must be met as a lifeguard and to teach them how to train like we train,” said Ocean Safety Officer Pono Kodani. “The program will teach them what it takes, and they can use their knowledge to get more experience and eventually become a lifeguard themselves.”
Those who did not qualify at the swim test have one more chance to try at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, at Richardson Ocean Park and Punaluu Beach Park.
Those who qualify can participate in one of four weeklong sessions where they will learn water safety, first aid, CPR, surf-rescue techniques, beach and ocean hazard awareness, and teamwork.
“The program mirrors the training and agility tests we do twice a year,” Kodani said. “The kids have to be active and have to have had lots of time in the water to really participate. We want to be as safe as possible.”
Kodani has been leading the East Hawaii Junior Lifeguard Program for about 21 years, and this was the first tryout one since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He currently works with seven former junior guards serving as Hawaii Island lifeguards.
Bayo Gervais, 15, is already a lifeguard at the UH-Hilo swimming pool, but decided to join the program to improve his skills and learn more about lifeguarding in the ocean.
“I like lifeguarding a lot, and am a strong swimmer, so I thought this would be fun to do,” Gervais said.
Gervais was the first to finish the 200 meter run and swim in his group on Saturday.
Lola Wiegele, 12, is a newer swimmer and was excited at how well she was able to do in the ocean.
“I joined swimming at my school at the beginning of the school year, and I’ve gotten much better and did better than I thought I would today,” Wiegele said. “I like swimming, and I’m excited for the program.”
Wiegele’s mother, Lisa Wiegele, was there to cheer her on and register her after she completed the test.
“As a mom, its amazing being able to live here and know that she has the ability to stay safe in the water,” Lisa Wiegele said. “Seeing her come to life, grow as an athlete and become more confident because of it has been great to see. I’m so proud of her.”
The four weeklong courses will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 19-23, June 26-30, July 10-14, and July 24-28 in Hilo and Ka‘u.
After learning the lifeguard ropes, participants will be able to compete in the Big Island Championship, which will test their new skills at Hapuna Beach Park on Saturday, Aug. 5.
For more information on the program, call East Hawaii Ocean Safety at (808) 339-5204.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.