Close call at Larsen’s

Hanalei lifeguards and firefighters from Lihu‘e and Hanalei stations rescued two distressed swimmers at Larsen’s beach yesterday afternoon.

The 911 call came through at about 4:35 p.m. Helicopter support from Air-1, as well as support from Engine 1 and Truck 1 from Hanalei and Rescue 3 from Lihu‘e, responded to the call.

Joseph Durocher and Adam Hussey of the Hanalei fire station retrieved the two tourists, a French couple in their 20s, and brought them to shore, according to Mary Daubert, county spokeswoman.

Although two lifeguards from the Hanalei tower went out to provide support on two JetSkis, at press time, the Kaua‘i Fire Department was only able to provide the name of one n Chris Simpson.

A flyover from Air-1 enabled responders to spot the swimmers, who had gotten swept outside the reef.

The couple escaped the incident without serious injury, and suffered only cuts and scrapes, Daubert said.