Honolulu lifeguards made two separate water rescues at Sandy Beach in Hawaii Kai while off-duty on Thursday evening.
The first involved a young man who was operating a parachute near a group of people in the vicinity of lifeguard tower 4B.
He was harnessed into the parachute and was suddenly and involuntarily lifted into the air, according to the Ocean Safety Department, as high as nearby palm trees, before being dragged toward the Half Point surf break.
Observers saw him repeatedly submerged as he was pulled through the surf about 50 yards offshore.
Several members of the man’s group immediately attempted to rescue him, but none could reach him due to hazardous surf conditions.
Five lifeguards jumped into the water to rescue the “parachute man,” who they freed from the parachute, and his friends. They were brought safely to shore and did not require further medical treatment.
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At about the same time, a woman and child bodyboarding in front of the same lifeguard tower got carried out by a strong rip current. The rip current carried them out to the impact zone at Half Point, where they lost their bodyboard in heavy surf.
Lifeguards immediately initiated a second rescue and, with the help of an off-duty Honolulu Fire Department firefighter, were able to bring both the woman and the child back to shore. Neither required further medical treatment.
“The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department reminds the public that Sandy Beach is one of Oahu’s most hazardous shorelines due to its powerful shore break, strong rip currents, and rapidly changing ocean conditions,” said HOSD in a news release. “Beachgoers are urged to use extreme caution, avoid activities that can become dangerous in windy conditions, and always swim or recreate near an open lifeguard tower during posted operating hours.”