High surf apparently contributed to the drowning of two tourists today in separate incidents on the Big Island.

At about 9:10 a.m., firefighters responded to a call for help at Kahaluu Beach Park south of Kailua-Kona.

Firefighters found a 62-year-old Milkwaukie Milwaukie, Ore., visitor receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation from three lifeguards. The man, who was not identified, was taken to the Kona Community Hospital, where he died.

“Above normal surf heights” might have contributed to his death, a Hawaii County news release said.

Rough surf also was cited in the drowning of a 40-year-old man at Punaluu Beach Park shortly before noon yesterday. Fire department officials said the man was swept out to sea while snorkeling with his 43-year-old wife.

The couple tried to make it back in rough surf, but only his wife returned to shore, a fire department news release said. Firefighters said a local bodysurfer reported seeing the man about 100 yards off shore and tried to help before losing sight of him.

Searchers located the man about 30 yards off the south shore, and bystanders helped bring him in. The man was taken to Kau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:58 p.m.

His identity and hometown were not released.