Video Included….MAYOR ROTH WARNS THE PUBLIC OF HAZARDOUS OCEAN CONDITIONS; CITES OCEAN RESCUES AND BEACH CLOSURES

MAYOR ROTH WARNS THE PUBLIC OF HAZARDOUS OCEAN CONDITIONS;
CITES OCEAN RESCUES AND BEACH CLOSURES
Mayor Mitch Roth warns ocean goers to use extreme caution when entering waters off the West-facing shores of
Hawaiʻi Island. The warning comes as the Hawaiʻi Fire Department reported five ocean rescues along the Kona
Coast between January 8-10. In addition, according to the National Weather Service, a High Surf Warning
remains in effect for the West-facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island through Tuesday, January 11. A High Surf
Warning means large breaking surf, significant shorebreak, and dangerous currents that make entering the water
hazardous. Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers should heed the advice of ocean safety officials and exercise
extreme caution.
Due to the impacts from the high surf and ocean conditions, the following County beach parks are closed until
further notice: Kahaluʻu Beach Park, Laʻaloa Beach Park, and Māhukona Beach Park. Other beaches may close
without notice, pending additional impacts from the swell. The public will be notified of any closures in a timely
manner. The County of Hawaiʻi would like to thank residents for their understanding and attention to safety.
“We are asking that folks use extreme caution when entering waters off of the Kona Coast,” said Mayor Mitch
Roth. “From what we understand the conditions are hazardous, even for the most advanced of swimmers, and
we ask that you use your best discretion before deciding to jump in. We’ve seen a lot of ocean-related incidents
over the past year and want to ensure that everyone makes it home to their families, friends, and loved ones. The
ocean is special to us for so many different reasons, but it is also extremely powerful and should be respected as
such.”
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On January 9, 2022, Companies from Keauhou and Kailua fire stations along with Chopper-2 were dispatched
to Lekeleke Bay (“End of the World”) for a person stranded on an outcropping of rocks in the bay due to large
surf. Chopper-2 utilized the Billy Pugh rescue net and lowered a Fire Rescue Specialist to the victim in a very
precarious position with the high surf and rough conditions. The victim was loaded onto the Billy Pugh net,
extricated just before a massive wave hit the location where he was stuck, and then safely brought to shore. The
victim denied any need for EMS treatment or transport