A 39-year-old man was pulled from the waters off Makaha Beach by lifeguards late yesterday morning. The swimmer was taken to Hawaii Medical Center West in critical condition, according to Ocean Safety spokesman Bryan Cheplic.

"The call came in at 11:48 a.m.," said Cheplic. "Lifeguards did spot this individual in distress, and they retrieved him from the ocean and began CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until Emergency Medical Services paramedics arrived. He was then taken to the hospital in critical condition."

Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Earl Kealoha said Ocean Safety personnel had already brought the man to shore when HFD units arrived. He said HFD assisted lifeguards until EMS got there.