First responders rescue 5 in waters off Kealia Beach Sunday

Published on July 11, 2023

KEALIA – Kaua‘i Fire Department first responders rescued five individuals in waters off Kealia Beach on Sunday. 

Four residents were admitted to Wilcox Medical Center, with one other declining medical treatment. Of the four residents, one was admitted in critical condition, one was in serious condition, and two were in stable condition. The fifth individual, a Good Samaritan, declined medical treatment.

According to a preliminary report, KFD personnel received a report from Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch shortly before 4:50 p.m. of swimmers in distress in waters off Kealia Beach.

Personnel with the Kaiakea fire station, Ocean Safety Bureau, Rescue 3, and American Medical Response responded to the incident.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they discovered a lifeguard assisting two swimmers near Kealia Point and another two lifeguards rescuing three swimmers outside the river mouth. Using rescue tubes, firefighters assisted lifeguards and brought the swimmers back to shore.

Personnel with AMR continued treatment on four individuals before transporting them to Wilcox Medical Center. The fifth individual, a Good Samaritan, declined medical treatment.

Firefighters cleared the scene at approximately 6 p.m.

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