Swimmer Rescued Sunday Off Puna Coastline

A swimmer was rescued during the weekend from waters off the Puna coastline.

The Hawai‘i Fire Department and Hawai‘i Police Department responded shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, to a swimmer in distress in waters off the coastline near Kapoho-Kalapana Road (Highway 137) at approximately the 16.5-mile marker, according to a fire department press release.

Lifeguards from Pohoiki and other rescue personnel responded, with the first unit arriving on the scene by 5:23 p.m. The swimmer was located in the water by the county’s Chopper 1 and was airlifted via Billy Pugh net to awaiting emergency medical services personnel on the shore.

“ALS protocols were initiated, but the person refused further treatment or transport by EMS,” the fire department press release said.

Seven rescue units responded, inclduing one medical unit and Chopper 1. The fire department said the last unit was back in quarters by 7 p.m.

The scene was left in the care of police following the rescue.