Lifeguards rescued two swimmers in different locations on the North Shore this afternoon after they were swept out to sea.
Both sustained non-life threatening injuries, declined medical treatment, and were released at the scene.
The first incident involving a 16-year-old North Shore male occurred at Queen’s Bath at approximately 1:15 p.m. The juvenile had been walking along the rocks with a couple of friends at the edge of Queen’s Bath when he jumped in the water and was sucked out to sea. He waited outside the breakwater until lifeguards arrived on scene and brought him to the Hanalei tower. Firefighters from the Hanalei station also responded to the incident.
The lifeguards treated the juvenile’s minor injuries and then released him at the tower after he declined further treatment.
Approximately 35 minutes later, rescue personnel responded to an incident involving a female visitor that occurred in the water between Haena Beach Park and Kee Beach.
The 32-year-old Wyoming woman had been wading in the ocean with friends when she was swept out to sea. One of her friends ran to the Kee tower to report the incident. A lifeguard jumped in a four-wheel drive and headed to the scene, while another lifeguard rode a jet ski to the scene. Firefighters from the Hanalei station also responded to the incident.
The lifeguard in the jet ski pulled the visitor out of the ocean and brought her to "Tunnels" Beach, where she was treated for minor injuries. The woman was released after declining further treatment.
In light of the strong winter swells resulting in hazardous ocean conditions on the North Shore, Kauai Fire Department officials are urging beachgoers to exercise caution.
"When in doubt, don’t go out," said Acting Battalion Chief Jason Ornellas, adding that if anyone has questions regarding ocean safety they can ask a lifeguard or go to www.kauaiexplorer.com.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
