POIPU — A Kansas woman died while swimming in waters off Poipu Beach Wednesday afternoon. The woman, identified as Janice Klayson, was reported to be swimming roughly 30 feet from shore when she was discovered face down in the water.
POIPU — A Kansas woman died while swimming in waters off Poipu Beach Wednesday afternoon.
The woman, identified as Janice Klayson, was reported to be swimming roughly 30 feet from shore when she was discovered face down in the water.
Firefighters were called to the scene shortly after 5 p.m.
Bystanders pulled the 70-year-old woman to shore and were performing CPR when rescuers arrived on scene. Firefighters continued CPR while transporting the victim to awaiting medics. She was transported to Wilcox Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The incident occurred after the lifeguard tower closed for the day, according to Sarah Blane, Kauai County spokesperson. The tower closed at 5 p.m.
An autopsy is pending.
This is Kauai’s 12th drowning of 2016.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for all north and west-facing shores of Kauai and Niihau. Officials anticipate wave heights of up to 25 feet in some areas. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water and away from the shoreline during the High Surf Warning, which is expected to remain in effect until 6 a.m. Friday.
Weather alerts can be extended or modified as conditions develop. For updated information, please speak to a lifeguard or visit the NWS website at www.weather.gov/hawaii.