LIHU‘E — Monday morning, two divers were out by a cove near Shipwreck Beach.
From the shore, a concerned visitor saw two people waving their arms and called in a report of distressed swimmers.
This was a false alarm; turns out they were just signaling to one another while fishing. No rescue was needed, but some calls don’t turn out that way.
So far this year, three people have drowned on the island, two visitors and one resident of Kalaheo, according to Kaua‘i Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau reports. Last year, there were 17 drowning deaths.
“Last year was really bad,” said Monty Downs, president of the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association. “It was discouraging.”
Sunday morning, a 41-year-old Kapa‘a man collapsed while hiking the Kalalau Trail on the way to Hanakapi‘ai Beach on Napali Coast. And, unrelated, last Friday, an unresponsive woman was found in the Kalalau Valley Stream along Napali Coast.
Autopsies are being conducted to determine the deaths of these two individuals.
So far this year, at least three people have been found dead on hiking trails, according to county press releases. These include a visitor from Massachusetts who died after falling from a cliff near Shipwreck Beach in February.
Overall, these numbers are lower than average, as tourism numbers are nearly 50% less than they were last year.
About 75% of Kaua‘i drowning victims are tourists, so the other 25% are locals, who are many of the people currently taking to the shores, Downs said.
Last year, Kaua‘i beaches saw 2.3 million people. This year, total beach attendance through May is just under 600,000.
“(Lifeguards) are enjoying a little less pressure,” Downs said. “But some (swimmers) still aren’t aware of the hazards.”
Before heading out into the water, Downs recommends approaching lifeguards to ask about the water. To a trained eye, identification of a rip current can be lifesaving.
“A classic rip current can happen on any beach,” Downs said. “An unsuspecting person may panic. We really try to emphasize staying calm.”
When stuck in a rip current, don’t fight it. Go with the flow. When released, swim sideways and signal for help or swim away from it and to shore.
One of the most important tips Downs had is to swim near a lifeguard. These trained professionals have continuous training, both on land and water. Using an ATV roving patrol, lifeguards also engage in prevention, regularly telling beach-goers about water conditions.
OSB reports that lifeguards have had 67 rescues this year, 16 water craft rescues, and participated in over 26,000 preventive measures.
“There’s a saying that the best lifeguard is a dry one,” Downs said.
What to be aware of when hiking or swimming:
• Become familiar with where you’re going;
• Look out for hidden dangers like slippery rocks and river crossings;
• Don’t overestimate your own physical conditioning and bring water;
• Watch out for the rogue wave when hiking along ridges or swimming;
• Know where rescue tubes are located and how to use them;
• Check ocean and weather conditions before going out.
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Sabrina Bodon, public safety and government reporter, can be reached at 245-0441 or sbodon@thegardenisland.com.
