Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards pulled a pregnant woman from the pounding surf at China Walls in Hawaii Kai on Thursday, after bystanders called 911 when they saw her struggling to climb out of the water. Rescuers brought her to shore and moved her to the nearby boat ramp, where officials say she declined further assistance.
According to Hawaii News Now, Ocean Safety received the call at about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, and mobile responders reached the scene within minutes. The outlet reports that lifeguards secured the woman with a rescue tube until jet-ski operators arrived and then transported her to the Hawaii Kai boat ramp.
How the Rescue Unfolded
Mobile responders entered the water and used a rescue tube to keep the woman afloat while they waited for jet-ski operators to help move her to shore. As noted by the Office of the Mayor, rescue tubes have been installed at Portlock access points, including China Walls, and have already been used to save lives along that notoriously tricky stretch of shoreline.
Why China Walls Is So Dangerous
Officials say China Walls is considered extremely dangerous because of unpredictable surf, powerful currents and very limited exit points for anyone who ends up in the water. As outlined by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Honolulu Fire Department responders were called to China Walls 16 times last year and to nearby Spitting Caves four times. DOCARE Lt. Vance Lime warned, “Once they panic here, they’re pushed off the point and this current line here will take them all the way to Diamond Head.”
Officials Urge Caution
Honolulu Ocean Safety has reiterated that both visitors and locals should avoid entering the water at China Walls, Hawaii News Now reported. The department reminded the public that the area’s lack of safe exits and constantly shifting currents make self-rescue unlikely, especially for inexperienced swimmers…