PO‘IPU — Rescue officials have confirmed a fourth drowning on Kaua‘i so far this year, which is twice the entire total for 2012. The victim identified Monday by police as 71-year-old Wendy Anderson of Colorado, died following an incident Wednesday
PO‘IPU — Rescue officials have confirmed a fourth drowning on Kaua‘i so far this year, which is twice the entire total for 2012.
The victim identified Monday by police as 71-year-old Wendy Anderson of Colorado, died following an incident Wednesday in the South Shore. She had been swimming in waters off Po‘ipu Beach, when beachgoers saw the woman lying face down in the water at 11:49 a.m. and called 911, according to county officials.
For the year of 2012, there were only two drownings, Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Robert Westerman said at a Fire Commission meeting Monday.
“We have not been that low since we had accounting for the drownings in Hawai‘i,” Westerman said. “We’re already up to four so far this year — all of them tourists.”
Prior to the meeting, Westerman said in a county press release that KFD has “great partnerships” with the visitor industry, and tries “very hard” to be proactive about ocean safety, so it was “incredibly discouraging” to have to report Kaua‘i’s fourth drowning this year.
Westerman said at the commission meeting that, “as we’re having the graying of America,” the population is still very active at a later age. Even though “baby boomers” are still active at 65 years old, it’s a little bit more of a struggle,” he said.
“Long trail hikes, ocean currents and stuff … it’s a little more than they can handle,” Westerman said. “What we can do is continue our education programs and try and improve them as best we can. And we’re working on it.”
The number of drownings were low in 2012, but the prior year painted a somber picture of what can happen in the ocean on Kaua‘i. In 2011, by the end of February, there were already three drownings on Kaua‘i. When 2011 ended, the toll was 12 drownings on Kaua‘i.
Rescue
Bystanders in Po‘ipu Beach pulled the woman to shore and began performing CPR until rescuers arrived. Lifeguards applied an Automated External Defibrillator but no shock was advised, according to a county press release.
Koloa firefighters continued CPR until paramedics took over and transported Anderson to Wilcox Memorial Hospital in Lihu‘e. She was pronounced dead by hospital staff.
“Everyone agrees that Kaua‘i is paradise but paradise comes with its fair share of dangers, and we’re going to continue to do our best to educate the public on those dangers before they take part in any outdoor activity, particularly swimming in the ocean,” Westerman said in the release. “Each and every one of us can help educate our visitors — whether we work at a hotel, rental car agency, a restaurant, an activity company or just observe someone taking risks in or near the ocean. The simple act of reaching out could save a life.”
‘When in doubt, don’t go out’
During the winter months, lifeguards recommend swimming at the beaches with lifeguards on the east and south shores, such as Morgan’s Ponds at Lydgate Beach, Po‘ipu Beach Park or Salt Pond Beach.
Lifeguards urge inexperienced swimmers and surfers to avoid visiting North Shore beaches due to the high-surf activity and large breaking waves that sweep the shoreline. In addition, rescuers offer these tips on how to stay safe while visiting Kaua‘i’s beaches:
• Always swim near a lifeguard tower. If you can’t see the lifeguard, the lifeguard can’t see you.
• Look for any posted warning signs. Read and heed them.
• Watch the ocean conditions for at least 20 minutes before entering the water. The ocean can look calm in between dangerous sets of waves.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area, ask someone who is knowledgeable about the potential hazards, such as a local fisherman or surfer.
• Check the weather forecast or www.kauaiexplorer.com for daily ocean reports.
• And when in doubt, don’t go out.“We want people to hear our message before we hear from them. Once we get a call for help there’s only so much we can do to save someone’s life,” Westerman said in the release. “But if we can all work together to help to spread the message and take personal responsibility to be careful and smart, we hope people can enjoy all of what Kaua‘i has to offer in a way that is both fun and safe. That’s our ultimate goal.”
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
