A California bodyboarder caught in currents and six-to-eight-foot swells at Kukui’ula got multiple assists to safety late Saturday afternoon. Passers-by Aaron and Celeste Hoff of Kalaheo noticed a bodyboarder who looked like he was in trouble near the surf spots
A California bodyboarder caught in currents and six-to-eight-foot swells at Kukui’ula got multiple assists to safety late Saturday afternoon.
Passers-by Aaron and Celeste Hoff of Kalaheo noticed a bodyboarder who looked like he was in trouble near the surf spots known locally as “Heroins” and “Acid Drop,” and while Celeste Hoff called 9-1-1, Aaron Hoff paddled out to the surfer.
Aaron Hoff stayed with Kent Bergman, of Walnut Creek, Calif., for approximately 45 minutes, through what firefighters noted were some large swells and accompanying powerful shore breaks, and still managed to dry off in time to have dinner with his in-laws visiting from the Big Island, said John Hoff, proud papa of Aaron Hoff.
Since the Saturday evening incident happened after South Shore lifeguards had ended their shifts, the Kauai Fire Department’s Koloa fire station crew responded, with Melissa Hall, the department’s rescue swimmer, making it to the two men, according to Bob Kaden, KFD battalion chief.
Hall marshaled the two men into deeper water, and Jack Mayer piloted the Koloa fire station’s rescue boat to all three people.
No one required hospitalization.
“Melissa did a really good job,” Kaden said.
