HA‘ENA — Two men died in separate incidents in Kauai waters in the past two days.
A 60-year-old male visitor from Virginia died while taking a surf lesson Monday afternoon at Po‘ipu Beach, a county press release said.
His identity has not yet been released.
According to a preliminary report, the man slipped and fell off his board while surfing, possibly striking his head on the reef. He was brought to the shore unresponsive, where bystanders assisted him to a grassy area fronting the Kiahuna Plantation Resort. Lifeguards, Koloa firefighters and AMR medics responded to the scene and began administering CPR.
Resuscitation efforts continued, but the man could not be revived. He was transported to Wilcox Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
A 27-year-old male visitor from China died of an apparent drowning Sunday afternoon after swimming in waters off Hanakapi‘ai Beach in Haena.
According to a preliminary report, Kauai Fire Department personnel received a report of a swimmer in distress at Hanakapi’ai Beach about 12:40 p.m., a press release said.
While surveying the area, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 located the unresponsive swimmer 150 yards off shore about 1:20 p.m.
Ocean Safety Bureau personnel retrieved the victim and transported him to a landing zone at Ke‘e Beach. Firefighters with Engine 1 assisted OSB personnel with CPR on the victim until medics arrived.
The man was transported to Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Autopsies are scheduled to determine the causes of the deaths.
Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, arrived at the hospital and provided support to the man’s family.
In another incident, a swimmer was in critical condition after being rescued Sunday afternoon.
Ocean Safety Bureau personnel rescued a swimmer in distress off waters at Waioli Beach Park, also known as Hanalei Pine Trees, on Sunday afternoon.
According to a preliminary report, at 1 p.m. lifeguards from the Pine Trees Tower rescued a 30-year-old female swimmer who was in distress about 150 yards off shore.
Firefighters and responding medics arrived on scene about 1:30 p.m. to assist with medical treatment.
The swimmer was transported in critical condition to Wilcox ER for further treatment.
According to Kauai Police Department reports, there have been 15 drownings this year. Twelve of the drownings in 2019 have been visitors.
Ocean conditions have been rough as of late and safety officials urge people to swim at lifeguarded beaches and be careful of venturing out too far.
