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C O U NT Y O F KAU A‘I
BERNARD P. CARVALHO, JR.
Mayor
WALLACE G. REZENTES, JR.
Managing Director
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 12, 2017
DARRYL PERRY, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Male visitor dies of apparent drowning off Waiohai Beach;
Officials warn beachgoers of dangerous ocean conditions
POIPU – A 66-year-old male visitor died of an apparent drowning in waters off Waiohai
Beach in Po‘ipū on Wednesday afternoon.
Police have identified the victim as Philip L. Huffman of San Rafael, CA.
Lifeguards at the Poipu Beach tower were notified of a swimmer in distress at
approximately 1:50 p.m.
According to a preliminary report, the man was snorkeling in waters fronting Po‘ipū
Beach when the current pulled him toward Waiohai Beach. He became distressed while
attempting to swim back to shore.
A lifeguard swam out to the victim and brought him to shore and began performing CPR
on the unresponsive man. Firefighters and medics soon arrived to the scene to assist and
medics transported the victim to Wilcox Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy is pending.
Ocean Safety officials are warning beachgoers about a strong rip current that is
occurring off Nukumoi Point, fronting Po'ipū Beach.
“A very strong and hazardous rip current has formed as a result of an eroding tombolo,
or sand bar, that exists off Poipu Beach,” warns Ocean Safety Supervisor Kalani Vierra.
“Warning signs are posted along the shoreline to alert the public, and Po‘ipū lifeguards
are prohibiting swimming in this area until conditions improve.”
This is Kauai’s first drowning of 2017.
Above photo: Warning signs are posted at Po‘ipū Beach to warn beachgoers of a strong rip
current that has formed as a result of an eroding tombolo, or sand bar, at Nukumoi Point off
Po‘ipū Beach. Lifeguards are prohibiting swimming in this area until conditions improve.
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