Good Samaritan helps struggling swimmer

ANINI BEACH — A good Samaritan helped a man swept into deeper waters during rough surf at Anini Beach Park Monday afternoon.

“It was amazing,” said a witness who asked that his name not be used. “This gentleman should be congratulated.”

The county reported that police dispatch received a call regarding a distressed male swimmer in waters off Anini Beach Park about 3:15 p.m. Firefighters from the Hanalei station responded to the scene.

“A male bystander, armed with a rescue tube, had paddled out in an attempt to rescue the distressed swimmer, when he, too, became distressed,” the release said. “Upon firefighters’ arrival to the scene, Ocean Safety personnel on Jet Ski had reached the first male victim and brought him to shore. They then returned for the good Samaritan and brought him to shore.”

The good Samaritan did not report any injuries.

The distressed male swimmer showed signs of exhaustion. He was treated and released by medics at the scene.

The witness said he saw the Samaritan swim out to help the man struggling in big surf.

He reached him with the rescue tube, and they were still together, with the Samaritan swimming toward shore towing the other man, when lifeguards arrived by Jet Ski.

The witness said the good Samaritan put himself in danger.

“It was heroic,” he said. “A lesser man would have gone down. He was strong. I’ve got the greatest admiration for him.”