KAILUA-KONA — A 16-year-old boy fishing at MacKenzie State Recreation Area was rescued Thursday afternoon after falling into the water and becoming distressed in the rough ocean conditions.
Responding to a 4:42 p.m. report, fire rescue personnel arrived on scene about 20 minutes later to learn that a 16-year-old boy who had been fishing along the cliffs fell into the waters off Mackenzie State Recreation Area, according to a media release from the Hawaii Fire Department. A lifeguard was also dispatched to the scene.
“The person was found to be in distress while trying to fight the strong currents,” the release, which also noted large surf conditions, read.
The lifeguard who responded from Pohoiki, also known as Isaac Hale Beach Park and located over 2 miles away, was able to make it out to the swimmer and secured a rescue buoy to the boy while the two waited for further assistance from Chopper 1, according to the release.
Once on scene, the helicopter utilized its Billy-Pugh net to lift the boy and rescuer from the water. The two were brought to awaiting medics onshore.
The medics treated the 16-year-old for hypothermia, exhaustion and near drowning while transporting him to Hilo Medical Center for further evaluation.