A couple visiting from Canada were, literally, over their heads today during a snorkel outing at Black Rock Beach in Ka’anapali. At 3:38 p.m. today, Maui Fire and Rescue crews were called to the beach after reports of the couple calling for help. While emergency crews were on their way. A nearby family of four swam to the couple and offered an inner tube. That brought the total of people in trouble to six. Then another couple swam to try to help. Now it’s eight. The current was the reason. Running north, away from shore, all eight were now in peril and had floated out of sight.

Nearby stand up paddlers heard their cries and reached the group. They began bringing the stranded ashore, one-by-one. Before a second run could be made, Ocean Safety’s Rescue jet ski arrived and brought ashore the remaining swimmers. Fire personnel checked and the head count matched. All were accounted for. Medics on the beach assessed any medical needs. One of the six, a 61 year-old woman from Canada, was showing signs that concerned the medics. She declined transport and treatment.