High Surf Warnings and Water rescues today

Question

These big swells have arrived.

4 people were injured at Dragons Teeth today in Kapalua

2 ocean rescues in Kapalua. One woman was pulled out of the water and was not breathing. She did start to breath again.

1 swimmer caught in a rip tide in Kapalua Bay

One more late afternoon ocean rescue at Dragons Teeth in Kapalua. Rescue tear are bringing them to shore.

Ocean rescues of a swimmer, just off of Merrimens restaurant in Kapalua.

Please stay back rom the shorelines during this unusually high surf. There are only 2 lifeguard stands in West Maui they are open from 8am to 4:45pm. Three lifeguard stands are located in Kihei and 3 on the North Shore.

A High surf warning is now in effect until Monday 6am. Ocean surges, going across beaches, coastlines and lava flow areas. Possible impact to coastal properties & roadways, Todays surf was forecast for heights of 25' to 35'. Expect some beach closures.

Practice aloha

the Getaways

Answer

With the recent arrival of big swells on Maui's shores, it’s essential for everyone to stay vigilant and take proper precautions, especially in areas like Kapalua, which has seen multiple ocean rescues today.

The high surf is a serious concern, as waves have been reported to reach heights between 25' to 35', and ocean surges have already been crossing beaches, coastlines, and lava flow areas. A High Surf Warning is in effect until Monday at 6 AM, and there's a possibility of beach closures due to the hazardous conditions. The local authorities have also reported multiple rescues, particularly in the Kapalua area:

Four people were injured at Dragons Teeth in Kapalua.
Two ocean rescues were carried out in the Kapalua area, with one woman being pulled out of the water and initially not breathing—she was revived and began to breathe again.
A swimmer got caught in a rip tide in Kapalua Bay and required rescue.
Another late-afternoon rescue took place at Dragons Teeth, with rescue teams working to bring the person back to shore.
A swimmer was also rescued just off of Merrimen’s Restaurant in Kapalua.

With these dangerous conditions in mind, it’s critical to follow some basic safety guidelines:

Avoid the Shorelines: Stay away from the shorelines, especially during this period of high surf. Strong rip currents and waves can pull even experienced swimmers out to sea.
Lifeguard Stations: Be aware that there are limited lifeguard stations on the west side of the island. There are two stations in West Maui, which are open from 8 AM to 4:45 PM. Additionally, there are three lifeguard stations in Kihei and three on the North Shore, which could be useful if you plan on visiting those areas.
Stay Informed: Keep track of surf conditions and any potential beach closures. Always follow local guidelines and warnings.

This high surf event is also impacting coastal properties and roadways, and there may be significant waves that threaten to reach the shorelines. It’s crucial to respect the safety measures in place and practice aloha by staying safe and looking out for others.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable stay on the island, and thank you for keeping the aloha spirit alive by being mindful of these conditions.