Another Hawaii tourist died after getting swept out to sea at a Kauai beach on Tuesday afternoon – it marks the third ocean-related tourist death in the past week.
At around 11:15 a.m., first responders were dispatched to Kauapea Beach on Kauai’s North Shore regarding an “unresponsive swimmer,” according to a release by the Kauai Police Department. The vacationer, a 62-year-old man from New York, had been pulled into the waters.
Bystanders first attempted CPR on the man before the Kauai Fire Department and Hanalei Fire Station took over using an automated external defibrillator and the Lucas device. Fire personnel transported him to medics who tried “advanced resuscitation efforts,” the release said.
The man was then transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death is pending, but foul play is not suspected, according to the police department.
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“Kauapea Beach is not a lifeguarded beach and the public is urged to use caution if getting in the water,” the release said. “However, officials strongly recommended only swimming at beaches that have lifeguards.”
Last Tuesday, as Oahu’s North Shore was experiencing its trademark powerful surf with waves predicted up to 18 feet, three people were swept out to sea at Keiki Beach, another non-lifeguarded beach. Visiting with his wife, Bryan Kunic, 63, from California was sitting on the beach when a huge wave broke and pulled him into the water, according to a GoFundMe set up for Kunic’s wife.
Two women visiting from Oklahoma, Laura Sue Jett, 72, and her daughter Laura Rich, 31, were also pulled out to sea at that time. Both were taken to the hospital, with Jett in critical condition and Rich in serious condition. Jett died on Monday evening. A GoFundMe was created for the women to help their families with the expenses from the incident.
Are the beaches in Hawaii safe?
Although beautiful, the beaches in Hawaii can be unpredictable, with currents, tides and swells always changing. A beach that seems calm may have a rip current, or the swell could quickly build without you realizing it. Visitors can enjoy the beach as long as they heed warnings and know their limits.
Between 2008 and 2017, there were 682 total ocean drownings, with 55% being tourists, according to the Drowning and Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee, which is made up of organizations like the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Department of Health and fire departments.
If unfamiliar with Hawaii’s waters, visitors are advised to go to beaches with a lifeguard tower. These skilled watermen and women can also advise you about the day’s conditions before you enter the water.
Beachgoers should also pay attention to posted beach warning signs, which lifeguards set up to warn of hazardous conditions like strong currents or sudden drop-offs.