All in day. See article....

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2...ews/news02.txt

Sounds like a typical summer Saturday or Sunday in Santa Monica Bay, although I think there can be many more if the rips are really bad or the temperatures are really high (bringing more in-landers to the beach).

Kauai is not a beach destination, as in swimming IMO. Maybe at other times of the year the water might be calmer or clearer. It's quite disappointing especially if you travel half way round the world to get to Kauai.

Kaua`i has some of the best swimming spots in the islands. But the folks mentioned in the article, were at one of the most treacherous beaches on our island -- and with no lifeguard station, either. Sheesh!

The waters on the east side of Kaua`i -- from Anahola to Hanamaulu -- have strong, deathly rip currents year 'round. Visitors should only go into the lagoon-protected waters at Lydgate, and within sight of the lifeguards at Kealia.

Odin,
I am going to have to second what AuntieMaria stated........Kauai has some of the most wonderful beaches for swimming or snorkeling in the world. Nothing beats a breezy hot day in the summer at Hanalei Beach, with nice calm waters and swimabilty of almost two miles. Snorkeling at Tunnels, plenty of room and moderate currents enable even a modest swimmer to enjoy themselves. Anini beach.......beautiful and almost like a kiddie pool. I do travel halfway around the world to get to Kauai and enjoy Kausi's wonderful beaches. Being just a moderate swimmer, I never feel in peril as I know not to take any chances.

The key is COMMON SENSE. If there are no lifegaurds or no other swimmers, there is a good reason. It may be rough water and should be avoided.

Though not super recent, here's an interesting beach incident map for Kauai....

http://www.teok.com/Drownings/drownmap.html

More rescues on Kauai....

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2...ews/news03.txt