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High surf warning in effect for north and west shores

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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM

The National Weather Service reported strong breaking waves and rip currents with surf of up to 25 to 35 feet are expected due to a large northwest swell.

A high surf warning is in effect for the north and west shores of Kauai, Niihau and Molokai and the north shores of Oahu and Maui.

The National Weather Service reported strong breaking waves and rip currents with surf of up to 25 to 35 feet are expected due to a large northwest swell.

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m. today.

High surf caused dangerous ocean conditions along Kauai’s north shore throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, Kauai lifeguards recovered the body of a 53-year-old woman after she became distressed while swimming in waters off Hanakapiai Beach on the island’s north shore.

She has been identified as Janet Ballesteros of Hanamaulu.

Police said a state parks ranger alerted fire rescue that Ballesteros was in distress at approximately 11:30 a.m. Lifeguards on Jet Skis, the fire department’s Air 1 helicopter and the Coast Guard responded.

Police said lifeguards located Ballesteros’ body in a nearby cave but dangerous ocean conditions hindered efforts to reach her. Fire rescue eventually recovered her.

Police said the fire helicopter that transported her to the Kee Beach landing zone where she was pronounced dead.

Ballesteros’ death is the 13th drowning on Kauai so far this year compared to six drownings for all of last year.

One response to “High surf warning in effect for north and west shores”

  1. katk234 says:

    Be smart, be safe, know your skill level. You would be surprised how many think they can but really they cannot!

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