HA‘ENA — A California man died late Friday afternoon while swimming in the ocean at Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach), authorities said.
HA‘ENA — A California man died late Friday afternoon while swimming in the ocean at Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach), authorities said.
Lucas Ivor, 37, who was visiting Kaua‘i with his family, was seen in distress shortly after 5 p.m. on Friday.
“At approximately 5:15 p.m. on June 9, Medic 22 and Station 1 were dispatched to a report of a swimmer face down in the water. A fellow beachgoer had seen the man waving for help in the water and swam out to him,” the Kaua‘i Police Department said in a statement.
“The swimmer was unresponsive by the time he arrived. Bystanders pulled the man to the shore and performed CPR until responding firefighters and medics took over lifesaving efforts.”
Ivor was then transported to Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kapa‘a, but attempts to resuscitate him were not successful.
“This is a tragic event, and the department sends condolences to the entire family. We would like to thank the courageous men and women who assisted with lifesaving efforts,” said Kaua‘i Police Department Investigative Services Bureau Acting Assistant Chief Kennison Nagahisa in a statement.
The incident prompted the police department to urge visitors and residents to visit beaches where lifeguards are present, and to utilize caution when entering the water.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.