First responders aid surfer in Hanalei waters off Kaua‘i

A 24-year-old Kapa‘a man was assisted by first responders in waters off Hanalei Beach on the North Shore of Kaua‘i, during a National Weather Service High Surf Warning on Wednesday.

Personnel with the Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Hanalei fire station and the Ocean Safety Bureau’s North Roving Ski Patrol responded to the incident. No injuries were reported.

First responders received a call of a watercraft rescue near the Hanalei Pier shortly after 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a preliminary report.

Upon arrival, first responders observed giant surf with hazardous ocean conditions. First responders on jet skis quickly located the surfer, who officials have not identified to the media, and assisted him to shore.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for north- and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau in effect through Sunday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. The advisory may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.

Due to life-threatening ocean conditions, beachgoers are urged to stay well away from the water and visit other lifeguarded beaches such as Keālia Beach, Lydgate Beach Park, Poʻipū Beach Park, and Salt Pond Beach Park. Signs have been posted throughout the weekend.

For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.