KAILUA-KONA — Fifteen-year-old Kade Ketcheson got to put skills he learned as a junior lifeguard to the test last winter.
The teen was at Kua Bay when, he said, a man was hit by a wave and knocked out. Cade was able to pull him to safety.
Ketcheson used the skills taught to him in the junior lifeguard program, which teaches teenagers water safety, first aid, CPR and surf rescue techniques. He’s participated in the class for the past two years and plans to get involved with the program this year, which starts next week.
This summer will be the second year it will be free to participants through funding provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Ryan McGuckin, a water safety officer, was lifeguarding at Laaloa Beach Park, also known as Magic Sands, on Tuesday. He is in charge of the program in Kona.
He said the kids who get involved are usually already ocean savvy.
“These are people already intrigued with the ocean,” McGuckin said.
Junior lifeguards learn CPR, rescue techniques, grid searches and the fundamentals of lifeguarding.
“For the kids, it gets them outside the house and realize what they have outside their front door,” McGuckin said.
Ketcheson, a Kailua-Kona resident, already loved the ocean when his mom suggested he get involved with junior lifeguards two years ago.
While it’s fun getting together with friends, Ketcheson said junior lifeguards is definitely a workout.
“I’ve learned a lot about the ocean,” he said. “It’s a powerful place. I’ve learned how to save people.”
Jadie Goo, director of marketing for Hawaii Tourism of Authority, said the group started supporting the program in 2016 in an effort to increase participation.
“That is one of the top priorities for us,” Goo said. “The more we can educate residents and visitors about ocean safety, especially young people, the better.”
Goo said Hawaii Tourism Authority didn’t want the fee to be an impediment for those interested in joining the program. Previously, the fee to participate was $20. Goo said HTA provides $200,000 to the program.
About 1,700 lifeguards were trained statewide last year. Goo said about 2,000 young people are projected to become junior lifeguards this year.
The program is offered to all teens between the ages of 12 and 17. Applicants must have swimming skills and be able to swim for 100 yards continuously with 100 percent effort.
The first session of junior lifeguards in Kona, Hapuna and Hilo will take place June 12-16. There will be four sessions at the Kona and Hapuna locations.
While registration is available online, those interested in participating can register the day the program begins. However, it is a first come, first served basis.
To register, visit https://bigislandjrlifeguards.surfsignup.com/.
There will also be two sessions in Puna and Ka’u. The first begins July 10-14. Registration will take place at Punaluu Beach and Ahalanui Beach Park on July 10 and July 17.
A lifeguarding competition takes place islandwide after the training. Those who place will move on to the statewide competition, which will take place on Oahu.