Many Hawaii Visitor Drownings Prompt New Safety Messaging

One Hawaii visitor just died, and another is fighting for life this week. Both of these tragic events are a result of not understanding the power of the Pacific Ocean and its risks.

All of these occurred during an increase in winter swells that we’ve seen recently in Hawaii. Sadly, we previously saw a visitor drowning near the Kalalau trail. We’ve also witnessed visitors get thrown from rocks at Kauai’s Lumahai beach (pictured above), which is renowned for drownings and has the nickname Luma-die.

During the month of June this year, there was a death at Tunnels on Kauai, another one at Poipu, then a honeymooner died at Electric Beach (pictured below), and two visitors drowned on the Big Island in unrelated incidents. Now, there are two more recent reports this week.

First incident took place earlier this week at Kona.

A visitor from Colorado was found dead of apparent drowning at Kona on the Big Island. Authorities have already identified the person as Jeffrey Jewers, who was visiting from Aurora. His body was found near Alii Drive.

The police said that Jewers, age 53, was on a rocky shoreline and struck by a large and perhaps rogue wave. After falling into the ocean, he was hit by waves repeatedly as he tried to climb out. Jewers was dragged up to a half-mile from shore. He was later found lifeless and pronounced dead at the hospital.

Second was a near-fatal drowning at China Walls, Oahu.

Yesterday, a New York visitor hit his head when he jumped from a rock ledge at China Walls on Oahu near Hawaii Kai. He was then swept out to sea in four to six-foot waves. Surfers saw the incident and paddled to the man. They were able to bring him to shore.

First responders provided life support, and he was transferred to the hospital. The man in his early 20’s is in critical condition.

And just two weeks earlier, an unidentified 21-year-old man drowned on Oahu’s north shore at Ke Iki Beach. Those nearby provided assistance before lifeguards could arrive and return the victim to shore. He was about 150 feet from shore at the time. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died.

Hawaii visitors, please be careful in the ocean!

Here are some Hawaii Beach Safety Guidelines to follow to become more familiar with ocean conditions in Hawaii.

1. Maintain a high level of awareness and show utmost respect for the ocean in Hawaii.
2. Swim at Hawaii beaches patrolled by lifeguards. Rescue tubes are also available at many Hawaii beaches.
3. Follow all posted warnings and respect any beach closures in effect.
4. When in doubt, seek guidance and assistance from a lifeguard.
5. Before entering the water, or climbing on nearby rocks, carefully observe the conditions, and only proceed if it is safe to do so. If you have any uncertainties, consult a lifeguard.
6. Utilize the Hawaii Beach Safety website provided by the Hawaii Lifeguard Association for valuable information.
7. Stay updated on Hawaii surf conditions and warnings, as conditions can change rapidly.
8. Familiarize yourself with rip currents and understand what to do if you find yourself caught in one.
9. Exercise extreme caution when navigating wet rocks, as waves can make you lose your balance. Also, be aware of the hazard of rocks submerged beneath the water’s surface.