POIPU Lifeguards rescued six people in distress from waters off Poipu Beach on Sunday afternoon.
POIPU — Lifeguards rescued six people in distress from waters off Poipu Beach on Sunday afternoon.
Shortly before 12:45 p.m., a group of six people were swimming at Poipu Beach when they became distressed in rough waters.
Lifeguards from the Nukumoi tower entered the water and first attended to two swimmers, a male and female, who were both unresponsive. As one lifeguard was bringing in the unresponsive male to shore on a rescue board, he administered chest compressions. The 37-year-old man of California regained consciousness in the water and was brought to shore for further assessment.
The unresponsive woman was brought to shore where lifeguards immediately administered CPR. She regained a pulse as Koloa firefighters arrived on scene, where they provided additional assistance. The 32-year-old woman of California was transported to Wilcox Hospital for further treatment.
Lifeguards from the Poipu tower brought the four other distressed swimmers safely to shore.
More rescues were reported at Hanakapiai and Anini beaches on Monday afternoon.
Ocean Safety officials are advising no swimming or snorkeling at all north- and west-facing shores due to high surf and dangerous ocean conditions.
A high-surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of Kauai and Ni‘ihau remains in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The warning may be extended or modified as conditions develop.
Lifeguards are reporting waves of up to 30 feet on the North Shore and up to 15 feet on the west shore, with strong rip currents. Spectators are also advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.
