HIGH SURF; Warning Level: DANGEROUS

A potential for loss of life or  limb exists. Condition: Large powerful waves are generated by winds and storms at sea sometimes thousands of miles from the Hawaiian Islands. Seasonal high surf occurs on all shores of O'ahu. Typically, shorelines facing North, East and West receive high surf during Winter months. Shores facing Southeast and Southwest receive high surf during Summer months. If you're uncertain of your abilities, don't go into the ocean during high surf, heed all posted high surf warnings! Your life could depend on it!

WAVES ON LEDGE
Warning Level: DANGEROUS .. a potential for loss of life or limb exists.

Condition Description: These are large waves originating from deep water breaking on rocky ledges. However, this condition can occur suddenly, unexpectedly even when the water appears to be calm.

Comments: Be very cautious when walking along rocky coastlines where waves are breaking. Rocks become slippery and are sharp, abrasive lava stone.

STRONG CURRENT Warning Level: DANGEROUS
A potential for loss of life or limb exists.

Condition Description: These are swift moving channels of water against which it is difficult to swim. Stong currents frequently accompany high surf and rapid tide changes and can be recognized as a turbulent channel of water between areas where waves are breaking.

Comments: When caught in a strong current -- Try to keep a level head, i.e., don't panic! Wave one or both hands in the air, and scream or call for help. Swim diagonally to the current, not against it.

DANGEROUS SHOREBREAK Warning Level: HAZARDOUS

Condition Description: This is the condition when large waves break directly on the shore. Shorebreaks are unpredictable and dangerous. They have caused many serious neck and spinal injuries to both experienced and inexperienced bodysurfers and swimmers.

Comments: Small waves can be very dangerous, too! Be sure to ask a lifeguard about the wave conditions at the beach you may be attending.
 

SHARP CORAL Warning Level: HAZARDOUS

Condition Description: Most of Hawaii's beaches have sharp coral reefs close to the shoreline. Use caution when swimming in shallow reef areas. Foot protection is advised.

Comments: Should you be injured, see a lifeguard for minor first aid assistance. City and County of Honolulu lifeguards can radio or call for an emergency ground or helicopter emergency medical ambulance in very severe circumstances.

Should coral become embedded deeply see your doctor as soon as possible to have it removed. Deep cuts should be attended to by a physician to avoid the risk of infection. If you're tide pooling or reef walking wear protective foot gear.

SUDDEN DROP OFF Warning Level: HAZARDOUS

Condition Description: O'ahu is an Island and its beaches and reefs do not extend a long distance as some beach areas elsewhere in the world. The "shelf" of the Island rapidly begins to decline and waters become very deep within short distances from the shore.

Comments: There are also deep holes and caves in some places close to shoreline caused by collapsed lava tubes or naturally occurring conditions. Even experienced swimmers and divers have been "sucked" into the holes or caves - especially during fast currents and high waves.

If you are new to a beach, even if you're not, ask a lifeguard about any particular or unique conditions of the ocean nearby - drop points, location of deep holes or caves, etc.
 

SLIPPERY ROCKS  Warning Level: HAZARDOUS

Condition Description: Naturally occurring shore rocks become very slippery. Waves hitting a person on slippery rocks equal a potential fall and resulting injury or other trauma.

Comments: Remember - Be very cautious when walking along rocky coastlines where waves are breaking. Don't ever go into the wet rocky zone. The ocean is unpredictable and has been known to wash people away. Don't put yourself in a position where you could be swept away.

Please heed all posted warnings! Your life might depend on it!

SLIPPERY ROCKS  Warning Level: HAZARDOUS

Condition Description: Naturally occurring shore rocks become very slippery. Waves hitting a person on slippery rocks equal a potential fall and resulting injury or other trauma.

Comments: Remember - Be very cautious when walking along rocky coastlines where waves are breaking. Don't ever go into the wet rocky zone. The ocean is unpredictable and has been known to wash people away. Don't put yourself in a position where you could be swept away.

Please heed all posted warnings! Your life might depend on it!