A visitor from Colorado died Friday afternoon after being pulled from waters off Haena Beach Park on Kauai’s far North Shore, reports the County of Kauai.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. on June 21st, 2024, first responders were dispatched to Haena Beach Park following reports of an unresponsive swimmer. An Ocean Safety Bureau lifeguard on duty brought the victim ashore and began initiating CPR.
Emergency medical personnel soon arrived at the scene, taking over the resuscitation efforts with advanced medical techniques. The victim was subsequently transported to Wilcox Memorial Hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, despite the concerted lifesaving efforts, the visitor was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Authorities have identified the deceased as a visitor from Colorado, though their name has not yet been released pending notification of family members. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, but preliminary reports indicate that foul play is not suspected in this tragic incident.
This event underscores the inherent dangers of ocean swimming, even at well-monitored beaches like Haena Beach Park. The Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau continues to remind all beachgoers of the importance of heeding safety warnings and being aware of ocean conditions, which can change rapidly and pose significant risks even to experienced swimmers.
Haena Beach Park, known for its picturesque scenery and powerful surf, has long been a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. However, the waters can be deceptively dangerous, particularly for those unfamiliar with the ocean’s strong currents and rapidly changing conditions.