Sneaker Wave Swallows Toddler on Beach at Pipeline (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 7:30 PM ET

It’s like clockwork on the North Shore of Oahu.

Every year, as the winter surfing season descends upon the Seven Mile Miracle, unsuspecting tourists visiting the island to check out the “high surf” find themselves too close, putting themselves, the elite North Shore Lifeguards, and any other good Samaritans around at danger.

All. The. Damn. Time.

Now, with the swell season in full swing on the North Shore – it’s been cranking at Pipeline and beyond – the close-calls are starting to go down. Like this clip from local boy, Koa Rothman. It shows a young kid on the beach at Ehukai Beach Park, strolling along, minding his own business, when a sneaker wave knocks out his legs, shoves him down, and nearly sweeps him out to sea.

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A post shared by Koa Rothman (@koarothman)

Luckily, dad (presumedly) is there, and he jumps into action.

“Brah, look at the little kid,” Koa and the boys chirp as they check the waves from a balcony. “Get outta there! Get up the beach! That baby is, like, literally two years old. What are they doing?”

This time, it looks like everyone is okay. This time.

A few weeks back, a snorkeler at Shark’s Cove was swept out beyond the rocks, held under for 30 minutes, and drown despite an entire posse jumping in the water and attempting to save him. The man was 29 years old.

It’s just the start of the season, though. Things are just getting going on the famed stretch of sand. And while there will be moments of epicness, there will also, sadly, be more close calls. But hopefully they remain close; hopefully there’s no serious tragedies. Still, read the signs; know thy limits.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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