An off-duty Hawaii lifeguard came to the rescue of a stranded teen kayaker who had been clinging to his kayak overnight, as reported by The Independent.
The teenager, identified as Kahiau Kawai, 17, was separated from his high school paddling team after his kayak capsized about half a mile south of Honolulu’s Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. Despite not wearing a life jacket, Kawai managed to hold on to the 20-foot kayak for over 11 hours before being rescued.
Kawai’s parents expressed their gratitude towards the state, city, and federal rescue teams, as well as a special thanks to family, friends, and the off-duty Honolulu lifeguard who took it upon himself to search for the teenager.
After Kawai was reported missing during a kayaking practice, a Coast Guard airplane crew located him clinging to the kayak with the help of a flare to mark his position off Waikiki around 4 a.m. Off-duty lifeguard Noland Keaulana, a member of a well-known Native Hawaiian waterman family, had been searching throughout the night and was directed to Kawai’s location by the Coast Guard.
In a statement, Kawai’s family described him as strong, resilient, and brave during the ordeal. Keaulana, the off-duty lifeguard, mentioned being prepared for the worst but was relieved to find the teenager safe. Kawai was treated for injuries and hypothermia before being taken to an emergency room, where he was reported to be in serious but stable condition.
The swift and coordinated efforts of both the off-duty lifeguard and the Coast Guard played a crucial role in the successful rescue of the stranded teen kayaker. The determination and bravery shown by Kawai in the face of adversity have left a lasting impression on those involved in the rescue operation and the local community.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the importance of safety measures such as wearing a life jacket while engaging in water activities. The resilience and strength displayed by Kawai offer an inspiring example of courage and endurance, garnering support and admiration from all those involved.