Hāna Fire Crews Rescue Visitor at Hāmoa During Training

Hāmoa Beach. File photo credit: Kapena Kalama.

A 34-year-old man visiting from Salt Lake City, Utah, was rescued by Maui fire crews at Hāmoa Beach, in East Maui over the weekend.

The incident was reported at 10:52 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, when the man got caught in a rip current at the popular beach while body boarding with two other friends.

Fire officials say the two other body boarders were able to make it back on their own, while the victim was sucked further out.

Fire officials say Hāna firefighters were conducting ocean training activities at Hāmoa when someone noticed a body boarder waving his arms over his head.

A firefighter paddled out about 150 yards with a rescue board and brought the man safely back to shore. Authorities say he did not require medical attention.

Authorities say all three were not using swim fins.