WAILUKU - Applications are currently being accepted for the county Department of Parks & Recreation's Junior Lifeguard Program over the summer.
Youths ages 13 to 17 by Dec. 31 on Maui, including Hana, and Lanai are eligible for the program. Candidates will have to swim 300 meters nonstop in 11 minutes to qualify; the test will be administered at registration.
Training consists of familiarizing students with water safety skills, CPR, first aid, surf and rescue techniques, ocean swimming, paddle boarding and lifesaving skills.
In North, South and West Maui, there will be two separate Junior Lifeguard Program sessions. Session I is from June 25 to July 6 and Session II from July 9 to July 20. Registration for both sessions will be held April 28 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Baldwin Beach Park in Paia, Kamaole I in Kihei and Hanakao'o (Canoe) Beach Park in Lahaina.
Maui session registrants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Hana session will be held June 4 to 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hana Bay. Registration forms maybe obtained at the Department of Parks & Recreation office in Hana or online at www.mauicounty.gov. The Hana session is limited to the first 20 qualified participants.
The Lanai session will be held June 18 to 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hulopoe Beach. Registration forms are available at the Department of Parks & Recreation office on Lanai or online at www.mauicounty.gov. Forms are due back at the Lanai parks office no later than May 20. The Lanai session is limited to the first 15 qualified participants.
Although the program is free, a suggested donation of $15 is requested. Donations may be made out to Hawaiian Lifeguard Association Maui Chapter.
For more information, contact Cary Kayama at the Aquatics Division at 270-6140.
