KEALIA — A group of local swimmers was rescued by first responders after becoming distressed in the water off Kealia Beach on Sunday afternoon.
KEALIA — A group of local swimmers was rescued by first responders after becoming distressed in the water off Kealia Beach on Sunday afternoon.
The incident happened around 4:50 p.m., at which time the Kaua‘i Fire Department was notified of the situation by Kaua‘i Police Department dispatch.
“When firefighters arrived on the scene, they discovered a lifeguard assisting two swimmers near Kealia Point and another two lifeguards rescuing three swimmers outside the river mouth,” the fire department said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Using rescue tubes, firefighters assisted lifeguards and brought the swimmers back to shore. Personnel with AMR (American Medical Response) continued treatment on four individuals before transporting them to Wilcox Medical Center (in Lihu‘e). The fifth individual, a good Samaritan, declined medical treatment.”
The four individuals who were taken to the medical center were identified as “residents.”
One resident was admitted in critical condition, one was listed in serious condition and two were in stable condition.
Personnel from Kaiakea and Lihu‘e fire stations and Ocean Safety Bureau responded to the scene. Firefighters cleared the scene at approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
