A 51 year-old man visiting from California nearly drowned this morning in West Maui.

Maui Fire and Rescue Unit E-3 was dispatched for a near-drowning to the beach fronting the Sheraton, Kaanapali.  

A 51 year-old male was swimming with his family when, reportedly he went under and did not surface.  According to his wife, he was underwater for about a minute when a bystander helped him to shore. He was unresponsive when brought to shore. 

A bystander along with Sheraton Hotel Security began CPR.  Fire unit arrived with Medics and found the patient breathing and responsive.  Fire personnel assisted the Medics, package and load the patient onto a backboard, then took him to the ambulance. He was transported to the hospital in serious condition. The victim was visiting from California.