2 pulled from treacherous North Shore waters

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

The surf was growing on the North Shore yesterday, keeping lifeguards busy and putting at least two swimmers in serious jeopardy.

City and County Ocean Safety Lt. Pat Kelly said surf was in the 6- to 10-foot range and shifting directions throughout the day. Swimmers were having a difficult time, and two men encountered trouble that resulted in their hospitalization.

Lifeguards pulled a man out of the water near the Off the Wall surf site, off Sunset Beach and near Ke Waena Road. The man, in his 30s, had to be resuscitated, Kelly said.

The man was in critical condition when paramedics took him to Wahiawa General Hospital by ambulance, said Emergency Medical Services District Chief Jason Kaneshiro.

A second man was sucked into the ocean off the Ke Iki Beach section of Sunset Beach, near Ke Iki Road, where the surf breaks directly onto the beach.

Kelly said other beachgoers attempted to drag him back out of the water, but were unsuccessful. Lifeguards used a jet watercraft to retrieve him.

"He took in a little water," Kelly said.

Kaneshiro said the man, in his 20s, was in serious condition when paramedics took him by ambulance to Kahuku Hospital.

Kelly said suddenly rising and shifting surf is common this time of year.

"It makes the currents hard to negotiate and makes for a dangerous situation for swimmers," he said.

Surf heights are expected to be down slightly on the North Shore today, but Kelly said those planning to go into the water should remember that no predictions are set in stone.

"It could come up at any time," he said. "Beachgoers should always check with lifeguards before entering the water."

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.