California snorkeler dies in strong current off Poipu Beach
A visitor from San Rafael, Calif., died Wednesday at Waiohai Beach, prompting Ocean Safety officials to warn beachgoers about a strong rip current occurring off Nukumoi Point fronting Poipu Beach.
Kauai County officials said Philip L. Huffman, 66, apparently drowned at about 1:50 p.m. after the current pulled him from Poipu Beach to Waiohai. After being pulled, Huffman tried to swim back to shore in distress.
According to officials, a lifeguard swam out to him and brought him to shore unresponsive. CPR was begun before firefighters and medics arrived, and he was taken to Wilcox Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy is being performed.
“A very strong and hazardous rip current has formed as a result of an eroding tombolo, or sand bar, that exists off Poipu Beach,” Ocean Safety Supervisor Kalani Vierra warned in a press release.
“Warning signs are posted along the shoreline to alert the public, and Po‘ipū lifeguards are prohibiting swimming in this area until conditions improve,” he said.
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8 responses to “California snorkeler dies in strong current off Poipu Beach”
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My deepest ALOHA to his ohana.
People don’t drown from the rip current itself, rather after they experience the strong outbound current they panic and fight to swim directly back to the beach, exhausting themselves and then suck in water. If they don’t fight the current and if there is a lifeguard, which the story says Poipu has lifeguards, just raise their hand and wait for the lifeguard to help these tourists back to shore. There should be informal training classes held by all the hotels by hotel staff at Poipu beach or a free video played on an endless loop on one hotel channel for all hotels near Poipu beach, explain the Poipu rip current and what to do and NOT to do when caught in the current. Hotels and the State make so much money of these tourists, make the effort with educational classes or a video that is non-threatening and does not scare the tourists but hammers the point about rip currents and how they need to handle it if they get caught.
Indeed as water safety is paramount while on vacation so one would think that is the least the tourism industry can do. The airlines should also screen a water safety video prior to landing in Hawaii.
They’ll never do it to not scare the tourists away.
Agree. If no one around to help just let the current take you out then return at a place where there is no current. Problem is many will become afraid being pushed out to sea. And yes, the hotel(s) and the HTA should provide safety videos.
Condolences to his ohana
Actually the life guards on Kauai have put together som very good videos ab
And they are in some of the hotels and at the baggage claims when the tourists arrive.
Unfortunately no one seems to take the time to watch them.
You’re probably right so at least people should be briefed by the rental companies.