Photo: Makai McNamara // Instagram
A dramatic rescue took place on the North Shore this weekend. Sunday morning, lifeguards pulled Makai McNamara out of the water at Pipeline, as KHON 2 reports.
Makai is a well-known fixture in the Pipeline lineup and part of a prominent North Shore surfing family. He is the son of Pipe legend Liam McNamara, nephew to big wave surfer Garrett McNamara, and older brother of 2024 Eddie Aikau winner Landon McNamara.
Lifeguards first responded to a call of an unresponsive surfer around 8:50 a.m, as the Honolulu Star Advertiser reports. Responders then went out into the surf, secured McNamara on a rescue board and paddled him to shore. The rescue was assisted by nearby surfers, including Koa Rothman, Koa Smith, Eli Olson and Landon McNamara.
Onshore, Ocean Safety performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator, after which McNamara eventually regained a pulse. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services assisted in administering advanced life support, then transported him to a nearby emergency room in critical condition. KHON 2 reported that since then he has been recovering in the hospital.
Editor’s Note: At the request of Makai’s family, we have removed the video of the rescue.
