FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         June 7, 2007

Release No. ESD-05-07

CITY’S 2007 JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAM

STILL ACCEPTING SIGN-UPS  

The Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division of the City’s Emergency Services Department is still accepting sign-ups for the 2007 Junior Lifeguard Program sessions at Pokai Bay and Waimanalo Beach Park.

On Saturday, June 9, 2007, Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division personnel will be at two locations conducting on-site registration for interested applicants in the Waianae and Waimanalo areas:

Waianae sign-up (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)                   Waimanalo sign-up (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Hale Nalu Surf and Bike                                           Fronting Waimanalo Elementary School
85-876 Farrington Highway                                      41-1330 Kalanianaole Highway
Waianae, HI 96792                                                    Waimanalo, HI 96795

The five-day course will familiarize participants with basic ocean and beach safety skills. The program includes an introduction to ocean hazard identification and prevention, ocean and surf rescue techniques, emergency first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. The program emphasizes general fitness, ocean swimming, paddle boarding, and lifesaving skills. THIS IS NOT A LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM.

            The program is sponsored by Quiksilver, Billabong, Xcel and Dakine. Registration is open to males and females between the ages of 13 and 17 years old, as of April 3, 2007. Sign-ups can also be done on-line at www.myjuniorguards.com

            For more information contact Ocean Safety Division Junior Lifeguard coordinators:

·         Matthew Miller, 589-2251, mmiller@honolulu.gov

·         James Barros, 922-3888 ext. 28, jbarros@honolulu.gov

Media Contact:

Bryan Cheplic, Public Information Officer, HESD, 723-7814