Emergency Medical Services, Ocean Safety and the Honolulu Fire Department responded to two separate near drownings in the Portlock area — one at China Walls and the other at Spitting Caves.

In both cases, the swimmers were in critical condition.

“Ocean Safety officials can not stress it enough. China Walls and Spitting Caves are incredibly dangerous,” said Emergency Services Department spokeswoman Shayne Enright in an email.

“This is not an area to go swimming or cliff jumping due to the inherent danger. If you recognize someone in trouble in the water, call 911 immediately. If you have, throw a floation device to the person.”

In the first rescue, a 54-year-old man was critically injured at about 1:30 p.m. today at China Walls in Portlock.

The man, described by EMS as a visitor, was swimming in waters off China Walls when he fell unconscious.

Bystanders rescued him from the water and began CPR.

First responders arrived and took over with advanced medical treatment, EMS said in a report.

Witnesses reported seeing the man struggle to get out of the water just before he went unconscious, EMS said.

In the second rescue, a 55-year-old man was reported to be in distress at Spitting Caves.

The 911 call came in at 4:30 p.m.

Bystanders got the man out of the water and onto the lower cliff ledge.

Ocean Safety arrived by water and land.

An EMS LUCAS machine was used to perform chest compressions.

HFD airlifted the man to the Koko Head Park.

EMS took over with advanced medical treatment and continued treatment while he was transported in critical condition to a hospital.