Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes. Rip currents can be killers. The United States Lifesaving Association estimates that the annual number of deaths due to rip currents on our nation’s beaches exceeds 100. Rip currents account for over 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. The greatest safety precaution that can be taken is to recognize the danger of rip currents and always remember ...
Box Jellyfish
Attracted to these “ocean stingers” by their pink, blue or purple appearance? Well, don’t be. By just one sting, jellyfish can turn any fun trip to the beach into a bummer. Here’s some information that’s good to know. Jellyfish are common in all waters. The Portuguese man of war is usually noticed by its large float and bright colors. But watch out! Their tentacles may even be as long as 165 feet! Each tentacle can contain millions of cells called nematocysts, which cause the stinging sensation. They eject a barbed thread and sometimes poison. Jellyfish don’t sting you consciously, though. The ...
Ho’okipa
Drive along Maui’s north shore on any day surf’s up with a brisk trade wind and you’ll wonder why a plethora of photographers are aiming1000 mm lenses at the water. Pull into the cliff top or beach parking lot and you’ll likely see superstar windsurfers doing back flips on the breakers while TV crews in helicopters shoot footage for the Extreme Sports channel. Mix in the traditional local surfer crowd who’ve been catchin’ waves at Ho’okipa since they were keiki’s and it’s clear why they call this place the world’s water sports Mecca.
Monk Seals – Give them room
The Hawaiian monk seal is found on the sandy beaches and in the surrounding waters of the northwestern Hawaiian Archipelago, known as the Leeward Chain: Kure Atoll, Midway Atoll, Pearl and Hermes Reef, Lisianski Island, Laysan Island and French Frigate Shoals. Small populations also occur at Necker and Nihoa Islands. However, little is known of their offshore habits or distribution. Threats to the Species Like the Caribbean and Mediterranean monk seals, the Hawaiian monk seal was easily exploited by hunters, whalers and fishers in the 1800s. Today, anthropogenic threats include: incidental capture in fishing gear, ingestion of fisheries debris or toxic substances, ...
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is a lifeguarded beach on the beautiful coast line of Kauai’s famous north shore. It’s a crescent shaped bay that has about two miles of sandy beach. In the winter months, September - May, it’s not uncommon to see big waves and epic surfing. Of course on these winter swell days it is suggested that only the more advanced surfers brave the strong currents all others should enjoy watching the expert surfers rip it up from the pier or the shore. Because it is a sand bar area HLWSF does not recommend snorkeling, There is not enough reef to ...
Poipu Beach Park
Also known as Brenneke’s beach is a gorgeous lifeguarded south shore beach that is popular with visitors to Kauai. The beach is basically protected by the`rock jetties so it’s great for swimming and snorkeling. There is surf outside the jetties, but we recommend you leave that to more advanced surfers who are familiar to the area, unless of course you are out there with a certified instructor. If you choose to play in Poipu HLWSF wants you to be aware of the hazards. Strong currents are often found inside the barriers especially if the outside surf is big. It’s better not ...
Ocean Hazards
Big Wave Surfing
In a big wave wipeout, a breaking wave can push surfers down 20 to 50 (6.2 m to 15.5 m) feet below the surface. Once they stop spinning around, they have to quickly regain their equilibrium and figure out which way is up. They may have less than 20 seconds to get to the surface for a breath of air before the next wave hits them. Additionally, the water pressure at a depth of 20-50 feet can be strong enough to rupture one’s eardrums. Strong currents and water action at those depths can also slam a surfer into a reef or even the floor, which can result in severe injuries or even death.
One of the greatest dangers is the risk of being held down by two or more consecutive waves without the chance to reach the surface for air. Surviving a triple hold-down is extremely difficult which is why it is important to know how to swim out of these situations.
Despite these hazards, very few big-wave surfers have ever died in the practice of the sport, with the notable exceptions of Mark Foo, who died surfing Mavericks on December 23rd, 1994, Donnie Solomon, who died exactly a year later at Waimea Bay, and Todd Chesser who died at Alligator Rock on the North Shore of Oahu on February 14th, 1997. A possible explanation for the relatively low fatality rate is experience; most big-wave surfers are highly skilled in the water and have likely trained themselves to handle the difficult conditions.
Sun Safety
How to avoid a sunburn
Sunburn can cause more problems than just some temporary pain and redness. Over time, frequent sunburn can contribute to premature aging of the skin, and can even lead to deadly skin cancer.
By following the simple steps below, you can have fun in the sun and still protect yourself and your family from sunburn and keep your skin healthy and young looking.
The sun’s rays in Hawaii are one of the strongest in the world. Don’t ruin your vacation by getting a bad sunburn.
Here are our tips on how to avoid a sunburn.
- Stay out of the sun completely. That’s not easy to do in Hawaii!
- Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Play golf, lay in the sun, swim, etc., in the early morning or late afternoon.
- If you must sunbathe get some sun before you visit Hawaii. The Hawaiian sun is very dangerous to pale skin.
- Beware of cloudy days. Clouds and particulate matter in the air scatter sunlight. You can still burn even on a cloudy day.
- Wear a good pair of sun glasses and some kind of protection — the looser the better — on your head.
- If you are among those likely to burn, use a sun block with a SPF of 15 or greater. An ounce of sun block will effectively cover your entire body.
- Apply sun block at least 15 to 30 minutes before venturing out into the sun and re-apply at least every two hours especially if you have been swimming or perspiring.
- Use sun blocks with higher PFs on areas that need extra protection like the tip of your nose, your ears, the tops of your feet, and your shoulders.
- Do not use sun block on your lips. Instead, use only sun protection products designed specifically for lips.
- Protect your children. Keep them from excessive sun exposure when the sun is strongest and apply sunscreen liberally and frequently to children 6 months of age and older.
- Do not use sunscreen on children under 6 months of age. Parents with children under 6 months of age should severely limit their children’s sun exposure.










