CITY ANNOUNCES REGISTRATION FOR JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAM

(Friday, May 14, 2010) --- The City and County of Honolulu’s, Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division has announced the registration date and location for its 2010 Junior Lifeguard Program.

“I am pleased that once again the City is able to provide the Junior Lifeguard Program,” said Mayor Mufi Hannemann.  “We are training the lifeguards of tomorrow and, at the same time, giving our young people a meaningful and healthy summer activity.”

This year’s program will be conducted at Ala Moana Beach Park.

“The Ocean Safety Division’s primary mission is to provide lifeguard services for Oahu and so our priority must be to ensure that there is basic lifeguard staffing every day,” said Ocean Safety Administrator Ralph Goto. “While we do not have as large a staff as we’ve had in past years, we have decided to offer the Junior Lifeguard Program at Ala Moana rather than canceling the entire program.”

Eight one-week sessions will be conducted at Ala Moana Beach Park beginning on Monday, June 7 and continuing through the week of July 26.  Sessions will be limited to 40 participants and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration must be done in-person. 

Registration will be held on Saturday, May 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Ocean Safety Division’s Training Center located at Ala Moana Beach Park, mauka of lifeguard tower 1B.  Registration is open to boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 17 years old as of June 1, 2010. Applicants must have strong swimming skills and a desire to learn about ocean safety. 

Additional information about the 2010 Junior Lifeguard Program can be found at www.myjuniorguards.com or by contacting Ocean Safety Division Junior Lifeguard coordinators:

·         James Barros,  jbarros@honolulu.gov

·         Matthew Lamke,  mlamke@honolulu.gov

Contact:

Bryan Cheplic, HESD PIO (808) 723-7814