A tourist tragically lost his life after being swept away by waves at a Kauai beach on Tuesday afternoon. This incident marks the third tourist-related death in the ocean within just one week.

First responders were called to Kauapea Beach on Kauai’s North Shore around 11:15 a.m. after reports of an “unresponsive swimmer,” as stated by the Kauai Police Department. The victim was a 62-year-old man from New York who had been dragged into the ocean.

Initially, bystanders attempted to perform CPR before the Kauai Fire Department and Hanalei Fire Station arrived, utilizing an automated external defibrillator and a Lucas device. Fire crews then took him to medics who continued with “advanced resuscitation efforts,” according to their report.

The man was taken to a local hospital, where he was later declared dead. An autopsy is pending to confirm the cause of death, but police do not suspect foul play.

The Kauai Police Department reported, “Kauapea Beach does not have lifeguards, and we urge the public to exercise caution when entering the water.” They emphasized that it is safest to swim at beaches monitored by lifeguards.

Just last Tuesday, while high surf conditions with waves reaching 18 feet were present at Oahu’s North Shore, three individuals were swept away at Keiki Beach, another unguarded location. A 63-year-old man from California, Bryan Kunic, was enjoying a day with his wife when a massive wave pulled him into the sea, as detailed in a GoFundMe campaign set up for his wife.

Additionally, two women from Oklahoma, 72-year-old Laura Sue Jett and her 31-year-old daughter Laura Rich, were also drawn into the water during the same incident. Both were hospitalized; Jett was critically injured while Rich sustained serious injuries. Unfortunately, Jett passed away on Monday night. A GoFundMe page has been created to assist both families with expenses related to this tragedy.

Are the beaches in Hawaii safe?

While Hawaii’s beaches are stunning, they can be very unpredictable, with changing currents, tides, and swells. A peaceful looking beach may hide dangerous rip currents or sudden swells that can catch swimmers unaware. Visitors can safely enjoy the beaches if they pay attention to warnings and are aware of their personal capabilities.

Statistics show that between 2008 and 2017, there were 682 ocean drownings, with 55% being tourists, as per the Drowning and Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee, which includes groups like the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and local departments of health and fire services.

For those unfamiliar with Hawaii’s waters, it’s best to choose beaches with lifeguard towers. These trained professionals can provide guidance about the day’s ocean conditions before you swim.

Beachgoers should remain vigilant and heed any warning signs posted at beaches, which lifeguards set up to alert visitors of potential hazards like strong currents or abrupt drops-offs.