Female visitor dies after being pulled from waters at Po‘ipū Beach

Published on June 22, 2023

PO‘IPŪ – Kaua’i Police report a female visitor was pronounced dead after being pulled from waters at Po‘ipū Beach Park on Monday, June 19.

She has been identified as Judith Bailey, age 77, of California.

According to a preliminary report from the Kaua‘i Fire Department, shortly after 11:35 a.m., Ocean Safety Bureau personnel spotted a snorkeler in distress and pulled her from waters in the lagoon area at Poʻipū Beach Park. When firefighters from the Kōloa fire station arrived on scene at 11:40 a.m., the California visitor was conscious and alert before personnel with American Medical Response took over the incident.

Medics transported Bailey to the Wilcox Medical Center, where she later passed. Autopsy results are still pending. Volunteers from Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, assisted Bailey’s family.  

Kaua’i Police Investigative Services Bureau Acting Captain Kennison Nagahisa stated, “We are saddened to report this death of another visitor. We remind the public to be aware of your surroundings and your abilities in the water.”

The last water related death took place on June 10, 2023, at Makua Beach commonly known as Tunnels. KPD urges visitors and residents to visit beaches where lifeguards are present, and to utilize caution when entering the water. 

(Photo from Po‘ipū Beach Foundation)