Several rescues reported as 50-foot surf hits north shores
North shore surf of up to 50 feet kept lifeguards on Oahu and Kauai busy today.
Four people were rescued from “extremely rough” waters off Anini Beach on Kauai, where surf heights reached up to 25 feet, a Kauai County spokeswoman said.
Two women were snorkeling when they were pulled by currents out past the surf break, at about noon, ocean safety officials said. The women had boogie boards but were not wearing fins.
Two men using rescue tubes tried to help, but also ran into trouble. The four huddled together using the boogie boards and rescue tubes to stay afloat until rescue personnel arrived.
No one was injured.
No Swimming signs were posted along Anini Beach, officials said.
On Oahu’s North Shore, lifeguards reported wave faces of 50 feet.
About 40 surfers braved the Big Wednesday waves at Waimea Bay.
Lifeguards rescued two surfers at Waimea. One of the surfers lost his board and appeared to be struggling to make it back to the beach. Another surfer “was paddling out and realized he was in over his head,” a spokeswoman for the Ocean Safety Division said.
North shore lifeguards rescued two more people at other beaches and issued 1,395 warnings.
On the west side, lifeguards rescued 5 people and issued 829 warnings.
Lifeguards on rescue watercraft brought a woman in her 40s to shore safely from the big surf at Lahilahi Point. Paramedics treated her at the Waianae Boat Harbor, but she refused transportation to the hospital.
Wave faces were about 20 feet and Keawaula Beach at Kaena State Park was closed because of the large surf.
The National Weather Service expects waves to decline to advisory levels Thursday morning.
Until then, a high surf warning remains in effect for north and west shores of Kauai County, Oahu and Molokai and north shores of Maui. A high surf advisory is also in effect for west shores of the Big Island.
Two more swells could bring bigger waves starting Sunday and then on Jan. 27.
13 responses to “Several rescues reported as 50-foot surf hits north shores”
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But did the Bay close out? Come on SA better reporting than that.
That
That’s my question too.
I think that the SA wants do the asking of question, instead of us.
Cowabunga
Wow! Haven’t heard that word in some years. Thanks. I feel young again.
I love those three guys dropping in on the dude on the inside in that photo. I hope his skeg was nice and sharp!
Don’t try this at home, kids.
What about the four ning nongs who had to be rescued in waters off the beach with signs that say NO SWIMMING! Puts our first responders at needless risk because they no can read or no can follow instructions. Post THEIR pictures in the paper with the above caption.
Why do the losers get the most attention?
What about the four ning nongs who had to be rescued in waters off the beach with signs that said NO SWIMMING! They needlessly jeopardize the safety of first responders who need to rescue people who can’t or won’t read the signs and follow instructions. Charge them the cost of their rescue.
2nd attempt.
sorry – my comments got deleted, so re-posted.
Not deleted. SA must have a dial up speed server?