HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR123119RescuersrespondtodistressedswimmersonKauaisNorthShoreonMondayF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: December 31, 2019
KAUA`1 FIRE DEPARTMENT
KILIPAKI VAUGHAN, DEPUTY CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-4980
Fax (808) 241-6508
Rescuers respond to distressed swimmers on Kaua`i's North Shore on
Monday
Ocean Safety officials and firefighters responded to multiple calls of distressed
swimmers on Monday at HanakapT`ai Beach and `Anini Beach, on the North Shore.
At approximately 2 p.m., Rescue 3 personnel and Air 1 were dispatched to HanakapT`ai
Beach for a report of individuals who sustained injuries from a large wave that came ashore.
Once on scene, firefighters located a 19-year-old female with injuries to her leg and a 27-year-
old female with multiple abrasions.
Rescuers airlifted the 19-year-old female to Princeville Airport where awaiting medics
provided treatment and transported her to Wilcox Hospital. Personnel returned to HanakapT`ai
Beach and airlifted the second injured woman to Princeville Airport where awaiting medics
provided additional support, then transported her to Mahelona Hospital for further treatment.
Additionally, at around 2:15 p.m., first responders were dispatched to `Anini Beach
where it was reported that three people were being swept out to sea in rough waters. Lifeguards
from the Wanini Roving Patrol Unit and North Roving Patrol Unit responded to the scene, along
with Hanalei firefighters who also assisted on rescue boards.
Wanini lifeguards were first on scene and saw three men in distress — a man on a stand-
up paddleboard, a male swimmer, and a male on a boogie board. Wanini lifeguards brought the
stand-up paddler and swimmer to shore using a rescue tube and rescue board, while lifeguards
from the North Roving Unit on Jet Ski brought the man on boogie board safely to shore.
It was later learned that the stand-up paddler was attempting to assist the two other
swimmers, when he encountered trouble himself. He left the scene prior to being assessed by
first responders.
The two other men — age 36 of Chicago, and age 73 of New Mexico — were assessed by
personnel and AMR medics for exhaustion and released on scene.
"We would like to remind all beachgoers that we are currently in a high surf season on
Kauai. We are very grateful that these incidents did not result in serious injuries or deaths," said
Deputy Fire Chief Kilipaki Vaughan. "Our Ocean Safety officials continue to advise no swimming
at all north- and west -facing shores due to the current High Surf Warning, where large waves
and dangerous currents are being reported."
A High Surf Warning for north- and west -facing shores of Kauai and Niihau remains in
effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The
warning may be extended or modified as conditions develop.
Beachgoers are urged to heed all posted warnings and advisories.
For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website,
www.weather.gov/hfo.
For up-to-date information about Kauai ocean conditions and ocean safety, please
speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit www.hawaiibeachsafetV.com, or call
the Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984.