Three close calls on Westside and North Shore beaches Sunday were resolved without injury. In light of the strong winter swells resulting in hazardous ocean conditions on the North Shore and some east-facing shores, Kauai Fire Department officials are urging
Three close calls on Westside and North Shore beaches Sunday were resolved without injury.
In light of the strong winter swells resulting in hazardous ocean conditions on the North Shore and some east-facing shores, Kauai Fire Department officials are urging beachgoers to exercise caution.
“When in doubt, don’t go out,” said Acting Battalion Chief Jason Ornellas. “If anyone has questions regarding ocean safety, they can ask a lifeguard or go to www.kauaiexplorer.com.”
A high surf advisory for north and east-facing shores that are exposed to the northerly swell will remain in effect through today. For more details, see surf forecast on Page A2.
In other excitement Sunday, a 43-year-old ‘Ele‘ele man escaped unharmed after an 8-foot shark bit his surfboard at Davidson’s Beach, near St. Theresa’s Church in Kekaha.
The man had been surfing approximately 150 yards offshore at about 8:10 a.m. when the shark attack occurred, according to a county news release. He swam safely to shore and reported the incident to authorities.
Later Sunday, lifeguards rescued two swimmers in different locations on the North Shore after they were swept out to sea. Both sustained non-life threatening injuries, according, and were released at the scene after declining further medical treatment.
The first incident involved a 16-year-old North Shore male at Queen’s Bath around 1:15 p.m.
According to county spokesperson Mary Daubert in the news release, the juvenile was walking along the rocks with a couple of friends, and was sucked out to sea after he jumped in the water’s edge.
The teen waited outside the breakwater until lifeguards arrived on scene and brought him to the Hanalei tower, according to the release. Firefighters from the Hanalei station also responded to the incident. Lifeguards treated him for cuts and other minor injuries.
Around 1:55 p.m., a report was received regarding a female swimmer who was swept out into the channel in the area between Ha‘ena and Tunnels. Lifeguards reported via radio that a woman was pulled out of the high surf and that she was conscious but scared.
The 32-year-old Wyoming woman had been wading in the ocean with friends when she was swept out to sea, according to the county news release. One of her friends ran to the Ke‘e lifeguard tower to report the incident.
A lifeguard jumped in a four-wheel-drive vehicle and headed to the scene, while another lifeguard rode a JetSki to the scene, according to the county. The lifeguard in the JetSki pulled the visitor out of the ocean.
Kaua‘i Fire Department medics also responded, and arrived at Tunnels Beach Access at 2:14 p.m., according to radio communications. They reported that the woman declined assistance but was informed about the risk of secondary drowning.
Secondary drowning can occur when inhaled fluid irritates the lungs of a person who has been submerged, even hours after they are out of the water.
