Three Drownings Devastate Hawaii Amidst High Surf (Video)

“When people come down [to the beach], they see the water,” said Honolulu Ocean Safety Lieutenant Dennis Coglietta following the surge of drownings. “They don’t see the big waves. They think: ‘Oh, this is like a pool.’ Or it looks super safe. But there’s always underlying currents. Or there’s reefs or channels that they’re not aware of. It’s like an underwater river that can suck you out.”

Two of the drownings happened on Kauai. US Navy Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, of Florida, noticed a couple kids struggling in the water at Waiapua‘a Bay. He dove in to help. The children made it back to shore safely, but Diaz did not. After lifesaving efforts on the beach, Diaz was transferred to Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of our shipman and friend, MA1 First Class Jeffrey Diaz and extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and shipmen who are grieving,” said Capt. Robert Prince, commanding officer of the Pacific Missile Range Facility. “We are grateful to the emergency responders, sailors and their families who provided immediate assistance, and we remain committed to supporting his family and those affected as we navigate this difficult time together.”

The two other drownings happened on Sunday, one Californian man who was snorkeling on Kauai, and a woman in her 40s on Oahu’s south shore.

“Even with my family, we come down, and we always watch the water for a couple minutes,” added LT. Coglietta. “We never rush out there. Even at spots that we’ve been to 50 or 100 times before. We always just take the time to look at it.”