Lifeguards rescued a Kauai man from waters off Lumahai Beach Wednesday afternoon, during high surf and dangerous ocean conditions. The 29-year-old Hanalei man was standing with friends at the water’s edge when a large wave swept onto shore and pulled
Lifeguards rescued a Kauai man from waters off Lumahai Beach Wednesday afternoon, during high surf and dangerous ocean conditions.
The 29-year-old Hanalei man was standing with friends at the water’s edge when a large wave swept onto shore and pulled him in. The strong current dragged the man beyond the breaking waves, which were reported to be up to 30 feet on the North Shore.
Lifeguards from the Hanalei Pavilion tower responded on Jet Ski and located the man roughly 300 yards off shore. The waves at Lumahai Beach were too large to bring him in so he was brought to Black Pot Beach at Hanalei, where he was met by firefighters.
The man was in good condition and refused medical treatment.
“In this case, the distressed swimmer did not attempt to fight the current and swim back to shore,” said Ocean Safety Supervisor Kalani Vierra. “He stayed calm and waited for help to arrive, which likely helped to save his life.”
As dangerous surf continues on the North Shore, lifeguards are urging beachgoers to stay out of the water and away from the shoreline.
“A 20- to 30-foot wave will sweep up onto shore and easily knock onlookers off their feet,” Vierra said. “Being swept out to sea in those conditions can be deadly and we are very grateful to our lifeguards, who have been working incredibly hard during this continued high surf event to prevent tragedies.”
