Kauaʻi firefighters rescued a 21-year-old visitor from dangerous surf off Secret Beach on Monday after he was caught in a large rip current about 70 yards offshore.
Hanalei Fire Station personnel responded to the incident on Nov. 2, accessing the beach through a trail of Kalihiwai Road.
Firefighters found the swimmer struggling in the water near the north of end of the beach, where surf was estimated at 10 to 15 feet.
Two firefighters entered the ocean and reached the man within minutes, securing him with a rescue tube.
An Ocean Safety Bureau North Shore roving rescue jet ski also responed to the scene, assisting the firefighters ans swimmer beyond the breaking waves. Due to the hazardous conditions, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 helicopter were dispatched shortly before 11:28 a.m. to assit with the rescue.
The helicopter crew safely lifted the visitor from the water using a Billy Pugh rescue net and transported him to shore, where American Medical Response personnel took command of his care.
The visitor was taken to Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe for further care.
The two firefighters who entered the water were also safely extracted by Air 1 helicopter. The scene was cleared shortly after 12:20 p.m.
