Woman In Critical Condition, Hundreds Rescued At ‘Floatilla’

Thousands of people took part in the informal Fourth of July celebration off the coast of Waikiki.

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(AP) — A 19-year-old is in critical condition after suffering alcohol-related injuries at the Fourth of July celebration called “floatilla,” while hundreds of other people had to be rescued during the float party off the coast of Waikiki, authorities said.

Lifeguards estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people came to Tuesday’s celebration. Honolulu Emergency Services Department spokeswoman Shayne Enright said the 19-year-old woman was in critical condition due to intoxication.

At least 10 other people were hospitalized in serious condition due to alcohol-related injuries, Enright said. Those taken to hospitals ranged from age 17-26, she said.

This was the scene at last year’s Fourth of July “floatilla.” Courtesy: DLNR

Four city lifeguard jet ski crews, double the regular deployment, worked overtime to monitor the crowd. They were joined by 14 officers from the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, as well as two Coast Guard patrol boats, state Department of Land and Natural Resources spokesman Dan Dennison said.

Enforcement officers were asking event-goers to move closer to shore and to moderate alcohol consumption, Dennison said.

California resident and attendee Alex Coresey said he saw 70 to 80 people brought ashore “every couple minutes” by rescuers.

The rescues follow a trend of “floatilla” partygoers being out of control. Last year’s Fourth of July celebration had several people in need of medical attention and last year’s Memorial Day celebration left behind a big mess.

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