PRINCEVILLE — First responders rescued a 16-year-old female from O‘ahu at Queen’s Bath in Princeville Monday afternoon.
Dispatched to the area around noon, first responders received a report of a girl trapped on the rocks and surrounded by dangerous surf.
Personnel with the Kaua‘i Fire Department Hanalei station and Lihu‘e-based rescue specialists aboard the county emergency helicopter responded to the scene. KFD Ocean Safety Bureau roving personal watercraft lifeguards also responded, and remained on standby in waters outside of the large surf break.
In between sets of waves, a Hanalei firefighter, who had hiked down to the scene, swam over to the victim and brought her to safety without further incident.
The teenager, who sustained non-life-threatening lacerations, refused treatment from officials and was released at the scene to her family.
The access gate to Queen’s Bath has been closed to the public since Oct. 2021 for the high-surf winter season.
The gate remains closed until further notice.
“We are grateful to our first responders who were able to act swiftly in this extremely dangerous rescue,” said KFD Chief Steven Goble. “This incident could have easily turned into a devastating outcome. Queen’s Bath remains closed for a reason, and we urge all beach-goers to take these warnings seriously, for yourself and for our first responders who also put their lives at risk.”
For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
This story was updated for clarity.
