Firefighters and lifeguards rescued four people on three separate rescue calls on Thursday on the North Shore, and officials are warning beach goers to be alert for strong surf expected this weekend.
Hanalei firefighters were dispatched to an area behind the Cliffs at Princeville shortly before 12:30 p.m., after a female hiker sustained injuries from falling off a cliff on a trail to Turtle Cove.
When they arrived on scene they found the 24-year-old Kauai woman conscious and laying on rocks about 80 feet from the top of the cliff, according to a county press release.
Hanalei personnel along with Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 assisted the woman out using a Stokes litter. She was airlifted to a nearby landing zone where awaiting medics transported her to Wilcox Medical Center for further treatment.
While firefighters were being dispatched to assist the female hiker, Kauai Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau personnel were responding to a male swimmer in distress at Anini Beach.
The OSB’s north roving unit was in waters off Hanalei Bay when it received the call.
The lifeguards on Jet Ski responded and located the distressed swimmer about 700 yards off shore. They brought the Minnesota man safely back to shore. Medics arrived on scene and assisted the man.
Immediately after bringing the swimmer to shore, lifeguards returned to the water on Jet Ski and rescued two swimmers who were caught in a rip current and were being swept out into large surf.
It was later learned that the swimmers were attempting to help rescue the initial victim using a boogie board and a rescue tube. They were brought safely back to shore and refused further treatment.
A fresh north-northwest swell was expected to arrive Friday night and produce dangerous surf through the weekend for north- and west-facing shores.
High-surf warnings are in effect for those areas through Sunday. Surf will be at an advisory level through midweek.
“We are still in the high surf season here in Hawaii, and we continue to advise the public to heed all advisories and warnings that are posted,” said OSB Supervisor Kalani Vierra. “Remember to know your limit, know the ocean conditions, swim at lifeguarded beaches and, when in doubt, don’t go out.”
Darwin was right.