Hurricane Hector's swell keeps Honolulu lifeguards busy

High surf generated by Hurricane Hector kept Oahu lifeguards busy today, especially on southern shores.

According to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, lifeguards rescued 94 people and recorded 1,200 “preventative actions” by this afternoon. A preventative action is a warning given to prevent someone from getting into trouble, officials said.

The rescues included a 16-year old girl in Waikiki who was playing in the surf when she was hit by a wave and experienced trouble breathing after swallowing water, Emergency Services officials said. EMS paramedics responded and took over treatment from the lifeguards, then transported the girl to a hospital in serious condition.

Of the total rescues, 63 were in Waikiki, 29 at Ala Moana Beach Park, and two at Sandy Beach, officials said.

Read more: http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/08/09/breaking-news/hectors-swell-prompts-high-surf-advisory-for-smaller-islands/