Thank you — Justin
On Dec. 10, 2022, my husband and I went to Polihale State Park to swim in the Queen’s Pool.
Though the wind was high, the waves and beach outside the pool looked calm so I decided to snorkel.
As I got into my gear and headed toward the water, a tall, strong man came running down to the shore yelling “Stop!” more than once.
He calmly explained that I was about to enter a strong rip current, which would carry me out past the protective reef.
Even if I were able to get out of the current, I would need to swim over exposed rock and coral to get back to the beach.
I could clearly imagine what would happen to my skin in the churning surf.
Thank you, Justin Caron, off-duty lifeguard who happened to be there with friends, for saving me from a foolish, and possibly life threatening decision. As he said, and showed, lifeguards are never off duty.
Readers, please honor the numerous warnings about the dangers of the seductively beautiful Kaua‘i sands.
Christine Farrington, Portland, Oregon
This cautionary story needs to be circulated to everyone visiting Kauai. I have watched many people swimming or snorkeling in questionable conditions. Most do not know how to read the ocean conditions.