LIHUE — A lifeguard’s thoughts sparked the multi-agency rescue watercraft training program that yielded 12 graduates on Tuesday at the Moikeha Building.

Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau. Chief Kalani Vierra said Pono Pananganan, a lifeguard turned firefighter, told him that when lifeguards finish their shift, the ocean is still working, and what if firemen could operate jet skis?

That started a program that had four agencies participating, including the Ocean Safety Bureau, the Kauai Fire Department, the Department of Land and Natural Resourse’s Enforcement and new Marine Unit, and the Pacific Missile Range Facility fire department.

Led by instructors Kaleo Lopez and Kleve Zarbaugh of the OSB, the program’s leaders congratulated Ryan Allen (KFD), Barak Aveguetero (PMRF Fire), Tyler Costa (KFD)

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