Forty-foot waves on north shores kept Kauai emergency workers busy Wednesday.

An off-duty lifeguard rescued an 87-year-old Washington man, who was sitting at Kee Beach at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday when a powerful wave washed ashore and swept him roughly 20 yards down the beach.

The lifeguard noticed the man in distress and was able to bring him to shore before the strong currents pulled him out too far.

The man received multiple abrasions and was taken to Wilcox Hospital for medical evaluation.

Firefighters helped a 62-year-old Princeville man, who had apparently been struck by a wave at Lumahai Beach and hit soem rocks.

He drove to a fire station where firefighters bandaged his wounds and was taken by medics to Wilcox Hospital.

Kauai north shore beaches remained closed today, but Anahola Beach was reopened for swimming today.

“We were very fortunate to have avoided tragedy Wednesday, and I am very grateful for our team who did an excellent job in preventing injury and keeping the public safe,” Ocean Safety Bureau Supervisor Kalani Vierra said in a written statement. “We continue to urge the public to heed the warnings for their own safety and the safety of our lifeguards and first responders.”