Rescuers are searching for a 22-year-old Maryland woman who was swept out to sea while swimming in waters off of Kauai Monday night.

The search started yesterday after the woman ran into trouble at Anini Beach. Kauai police, firefighters, lifeguards and the Coast Guard resumed their search this morning.

Sometime before 6 p.m. Monday, the woman, whose identity has yet to be released, entered the water at the north end of Anini Beach when she ran into trouble and called out to her friend for help. Her friend, a 37-year-old Kapaa man, jumped into the water but got caught in a rip current, according to a Kauai Fire Department news release.

A high surf warning was in effect Monday for north and west shores on Kauai when the woman and man got into trouble in the water.

Firefighters responded after they received a 911 call from witnesses shortly after 6 p.m. When rescue crews arrived, a paddleboarder was assisting the Kapaa man who was approximately 150 yards from the shore.

The fire department said a firefighter on a rescue board brought the man safely to shore while a firefighter on a personal watercraft searched for the woman.

Paramedics treated the Kapaa man at the scene.

Firefighters searched for the woman until nightfall to no avail. The Coast Guard deployed its MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and cutter Kittiwake last night and conducted a search throughout the night.

The Coast Guard is continuing their search today along with the fire department’s Air 1 helicopter, firefighters on personal watercraft and a roving patrol unit on Kauai’s north shore.

A high surf advisory is currently in effect for most of the Hawaiian Islands, including Kauai, until 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The National Weather Service said a north, northeast swell is expected to rise to “warning levels,” or to 10 to 15 feet for the east shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Maui tonight and Wednesday.

Forecasters warn the public of strong breaking waves and currents.

Kauai’s Ocean Safety officials strongly urge the public to avoid swimming at all North Shore beaches from the west-end of the Hanalei Pavilion to Kee Beach including Anini Beach.