Namahana Partners with Kaua'i Lifeguard Association for First Aid & Water Safety Training
Mahalo to the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and the Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau for a comprehensive first aid and water safety training that was built directly into the Namahana School curriculum. Over two days, students were able to work directly with lifeguards and Namahana kumu (teachers), weaving together real world skills with their ongoing education.
Day one saw certified lifeguards coming to the temporary Namahana campus, where they taught every student CPR, first aid, and how to use a rescue tube. On day two, the classroom moved to Hanalei Pavilion, where students practiced real-world rescue scenarios using water rescue tubes, surfboards, and boogie boards as flotation devices. Then they completed swim tests, float tests, and treading water assessments. They were also able to explore the lifeguard tower and learn about the career pathway to becoming a lifeguard.
The two-day education event was a great implementation of the school’s Big Picture Learning model and Ola Framework, where students are able to take their rigorous classroom-based education and apply it to real world skills and experiences, right here on Kauaʻi. Mahalo to all the lifeguards, teachers, and staff that made it happen! As well as to Annie Hart for donating her time and beautiful photography.
