November 24, 2025
Kauai experienced a heartbreaking series of ocean-related tragedies this past week, with three separate deaths reported at Kalapaki Bay, Waiapua’a Bay, and Lawai Beach between November 20 and 23, 2025. County officials and first responders are urging residents and visitors to use extreme caution when entering the water, as winter surf patterns begin to intensify around the island.
Visitor Dies After Being Pulled from Kalapaki Bay
As we previously reported, on Thursday, November 20, first responders were dispatched to Kalapaki Bay at approximately 12:30 p.m. after reports of an unresponsive swimmer in the water. Personnel from the Kauai Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard brought the man to shore and performed CPR before medics transported him to Wilcox Medical Center. Despite continued efforts, he was later pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as Liming Xu, 67, of Rhode Island. An autopsy is pending, though foul play is not suspected.
Service Member Dies After Attempting Rescue at Waiapua’a Bay
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz (Facebook)
Two days later, on Saturday, November 22, tragedy struck Waiapua’a Bay near Shenanigans Bar and Restaurant at the U.S. Military’s Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands. At around 3:00 p.m., a man entered the water to assist two children struggling in high surf conditions. While the children were able to reach shore safely, the rescuer encountered difficulties and became unresponsive.
Ocean Safety Bureau personnel and responders from Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services recovered the man and initiated lifesaving efforts. He was transported to Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
He has been identified as Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, of Florida, who was stationed at Barking Sands. An autopsy is pending, and foul play is not suspected.
Hawaii News Now reports that it was Diaz’s 9-year-old son that he saved. “Don’t give up, I love you,” were the last words to his son, who made it safely back to the beach.
Snorkeler Dies at Lawai Beach
On Sunday, November 23, first responders were dispatched to Lawai Beach at approximately 4:00 p.m. after bystanders reported an unresponsive snorkeler. Good Samaritans brought the man to shore and performed CPR until Kauai Fire Department personnel arrived and continued emergency care. Medics transported him to Wilcox Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
The victim has been identified as Gavin Phillips, 56, of California. As with the other cases, an autopsy is pending, and foul play is not suspected.
Lawai Beach, located next to the popular Beach House restaurant, is a well-known snorkeling spot, but it is also recognized for its deceptively strong riptides.
County Urges Caution as Winter Swells Build
County officials emphasized the importance of ocean safety as seasonal surf conditions increase in intensity. Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard by shifting currents, surges, and sudden changes in wave action.
Visitors and residents are reminded to exercise caution when enjoying ocean activities. Recommended safe practices include:
- Swim at beaches with lifeguards and consult them about safe swimming areas.
- Use the buddy system and avoid swimming alone.
- Observe ocean conditions for at least 15 minutes before entering the water.
- Always face the ocean and be aware of unexpected waves.
- If caught in a rip current, remain calm, signal for help, and swim parallel to shore.
As Kauai moves deeper into its winter surf season, officials are reminding everyone to stay vigilant. The ocean surrounding the island is beautiful but powerful — and respecting its conditions can prevent future tragedies.
Top photo: Lawai Beach file photo by Kauai Magazine.
