Ocean Rescuers Save 4 on North Shore Thursday — Larger Swell Expected this Weekend

Firefighters and lifeguards rescued four people on three separate rescue calls on Thursday on Kaua‘i’s North Shore, according to a county press release. The North Shore surf is expected to increase to 15 feet Saturday, 25 feet Sunday and 30 feet Monday, according to Surfline.

Hanalei firefighters were dispatched to an area behind the Cliffs at Princeville shortly before 12:30 p.m., after a female hiker sustained injuries from falling off a cliff on a trail to Turtle Cove.

When they arrived on scene they found the woman, age 24 of Kaua‘i, conscious and laying on rocks about 80 feet from the top of the cliff.

Hanalei personnel along with Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 assisted the woman out using a Stokes litter. She was airlifted to a nearby landing zone where awaiting medics transported her to Wilcox Hospital for further treatment.

While firefighters were being dispatched to assist the female hiker, Ocean Safety personnel were responding to a male swimmer in distress at ‘Anini Beach.

Ocean Safety’s North Roving Unit was in waters off Hanalei Bay, when it received the call.

The lifeguards on jet-ski responded and located the distressed swimmer approximately 700 yards off shore. They brought the swimmer, a Minnesota man, safely back to shore. Medics arrived on scene and assisted the man.

Immediately after bringing the swimmer to shore, lifeguards returned to the water on jet-ski and rescued two swimmers who were caught in a rip current and were being swept out into large surf. It was later learned that the swimmers were attempting to help rescue the initial victim using a boogie board and a rescue tube. They were brought safely back to shore and refused further treatment.

“We are still in the high surf season here in Hawai‘i, and we continue to advise the public to heed all advisories and warnings that are posted,” said Ocean Safety Supervisor Kalani Vierra. “Remember to know your limit, know the ocean conditions, swim at lifeguarded beaches, and when in doubt, don’t go out.”

Large waves are expected for the North Shore this weekend and continue into Monday and beyond.

For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov/hawaii.

For up-to-date information about ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, log ontowww.kauaiexplorer.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984.