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Two men from Wisconsin were rescued from extremely rough surf off Anini Beach on Wednesday, thanks in large part to Kauai County’s roving lifeguard program.
First responders got a call at about 11:50 a.m. regarding two swimmers in distress and being swept out into large surf.
Roving lifeguards launched their Jet-Ski from Anini about noon. Fire crews from Hanalei and the Air 1 helicopter arrived on scene shortly afterward and helped guide the lifeguards towards the swimmers.
Rescuers found the men hanging on to a body board and assisted them back to shore. The men, ages 33 and 54, declined further treatment from first responders.
The Ocean Safety Bureau began its roving unit patrols on Dec. 1, 2016. The unit acts as a mobile lifeguard tower and consists of a team of two to three lifeguards, equipped with a 4-by-4 truck, a Jet-Ski and a trailer.
The mobile unit patrols various beaches on the north, east and southwest shores daily to assist with ocean rescues and prevention efforts at beaches without lifeguard stations.
Ocean safety officials reported waves of up to 30 to 40 feet Wednesday along the North Shore with very strong rip currents. As a public safety precaution, officials advised no swimming or snorkeling at all north-facing shores, including Anini Beach. This advisory remains in effect.
Beachgoers are encouraged to visit guarded beaches and to heed posted warnings and advisories.
