Lifeguards rescued two women in distress this morning about a half-mile to a mile outside of Makua Cave on the leeward coast of Oahu.

Honolulu Ocean Safety responded at about 10 a.m. to a call reporting two women — one who was swimming and the other standup paddle boarding — caught in a strong current. A third woman who was with the pair was able to swim in to shore and call 911 for help. The women are visiting from Alaska.

Lifeguards were able to rescue the two women using a rescue board and personal watercraft and bring them safely to shore. Winds were reported to be about 15 to 20 miles per hour, and surf two to four feet high.

Ocean Safety recommends carrying a cell phone, if possible, during ocean activities.