ANINI — Two Kilauea residents were rescued at Anini Beach by first responders, including the Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau, on Thursday during a high surf warning.
“These two individuals are fortunate to be alive, as the back channel of Anini Beach becomes stronger and treacherous during hazardous ocean conditions,” said Fire Chief Michael Gibson in a county press release. “Mahalo to our crews for conducting this rescue during very complex conditions.”
“Kayaking, swimming and other recreational activities during a high surf warning is dangerous, and can put our first responders at tremendous risk,” Gibson said. “We advise beachgoers to swim at lifeguarded beaches, check with lifeguards on ocean conditions before entering the water, and avoid areas that pose a danger.”
Shortly before 6:10 p.m. on Thursday, rescuers responded to a report of two distressed kayakers at Anini Beach. The rescuers included personnel from the Hanalei Fire Station and the Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB) North Roving Ski Patrol.
According to preliminary report, first responders arrived on scene at the back channel of Anini, known to locals as Sirens, shortly after 6:15 p.m. Rescuers observed large surf and the kayakers attempting to paddle in from outside the breaking waves.
While the male kayaker made it to the reef’s edge, the female kayaker became caught in the surf and flipped over several times.
OSB personnel on the Jet Ski made contact and rescued the female kayaker. Due to darkness, low tide and the large swells, the OSB rescuers could not reach the shore and instead shuttled her to the Hanalei boat ramp.
With conditions now dark, a firefighter paddled to the male kayaker on the reef and alerted him to reach shore.
Both victims declined medial treatment at the scene, and the area was cleared at about 7:15 p.m.
The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for the north- and west-facing shores that is in effect through 6 p.m. today. The NWS was forecasting waves 30 to 40 feet on the North Shore on Friday, lowering to 18 to 25 feet on Saturday morning.
County officials said entering the water in these areas during the high surf warning is very hazardous and could cause serious injury or death. Beachgoers are also advised to use extreme caution as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.
Additionally, OSB officials are closing all beaches in the North District of Kauai until further notice due to very dangerous ocean conditions. The public should not enter the water from Kaakaaniu Beach, also known as Larsen’s Beach in Moloaa, to Kee Beach and along the Na Pali Coast.
Currently, OSB officials are observing large swells on northern beaches.
The warning may be extended or modified as conditions develop. For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website at www.weather.gov/hfo.
For up-to-date information about Kauai ocean conditions and ocean safety, speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, or visit www.safebeachday.com.