Paddle Boarders Rescued, Caught in Trade Winds at Pōhaku Park

Pohaku Park. File photo credit: County of Maui.

Firefighters and ocean safety personnel were called to assist a group of paddle boarders who reportedly became caught in a windline in waters offshore of Pōhau Park in West Maui at the spot often referred to as “S-Turns.”

The incident was reported at around 12:39 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 by a resident manager of a nearby condo who noticed the paddle boarders getting blown downwind, according to fire officials.

One female was able to make it to shore on her own, but another female and two males were unable to make progress against the afternoon trades that were blowing at 15 to 20 mph, said Maui Fire Services Officer Edward Taomoto.

According to department reports, Nāpili firefighters arrived to find the group about 400 yards offshore. Ocean safety personnel from DT Fleming Beach responded to assist the group to shore at around 1 p.m., fire officials said.

No injuries were reported. Officials say all four were visitors from California.