Ocean Safety

The waves are reportedly 25 to 30 feet high on the North Shore of Oahu. Apparently, lifeguards have been busy rescuing those brave (or, stupid?) souls that have ventured out into the water. Warnings have also been issued as well. Those of us who live in Hawaii are constantly hearing and reading about visitors and locals alike who disappear or drown. Swimmers, boogie boarders, boaters, paddlers, snorkelers, and anyone that ventures into calm or rough waters are at risk.

In the mid 1980’s, I lived on Maui for a short time and before that I had been to Oahu on vacation. Because I’m a strong swimmer, I thought that I could handle the ocean with no problem. The first bad experience involved being pummeled by a wave and my bikini being turned virtually inside out. The second experience was more dangerous. I decided to go out with the surfers when I was boogie boarding in Hana one day. I was fearless and didn’t know anything about the ocean. I rode a big wave into shore. What I didn’t understand was that I shouldn’t have turned my back away from the ocean once I got to shore. Somehow, I was pummeled and my head slammed on the sand. I was fortunate as I only experienced a headache for a number of months. Others have made that mistake and become paralyzed or worse.

Most people who live in Hawaii or have lived near the ocean have developed a cautious respect and may not behave as foolhardy as I did when I first moved here. On the other hand, many visitors are entirely unfamiliar with the dangers of the ocean. It is always a good idea to heed all warning signs when entering the ocean. Watch the locals and see what they are doing. Better yet, ask the lifeguards for advice. Let’s hope that the great surfers enjoy the big waves at the North Shore this week and that everyone else simply watches from a safe distance.