The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the world and the ocean with its crystal clear blue water is an amazing sight. But even something beautiful can be hazardous if a person does not use some common sense.




Sun

First, lets talk about the sun. The Big Island of Hawaii is in the tropics, which means that the suns rays are very strong here compared to where you are from back home. Even on a cloudy day you can get burned. We recommend a sunscreen with at least SPF 25, more if you have fair skin. Don't be one of those people everyone sees and call a "lobster".


Hawaii Tsunami Warning Siren's

Although Tsunami's are very rare. Hawaii has a warning system in case of an emergency. The siren's are tested on the first Monday of every month at 11:45 A.M. If you hear the siren at any other time. Tune into your radio or television for further info.




Beach & Ocean


We especially want you to be aware of the following dangerous and hazardous conditions that exist at many of Hawaii's beaches.



SHARP CORAL

Most of Hawaii's beaches have sharp coral reefs close to the shoreline. Use caution when swimming in shallow reef areas. Should you be injured, see a lifeguard for minor first aid assistance. City and County of Hawaii 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.



DANGEROUS SHORE BREAK

 This is the condition when waves break directly on the shore. Shore breaks are unpredictable and dangerous. They have caused many serious neck and spinal injuries to both experienced and inexperienced bodysurfers and swimmers. Small waves can be very dangerous, too! (Surfers' slang for small waves is "ankle busters.") Be sure to ask a lifeguard about the wave conditions at the beach you may be attending. Be especially careful when the surf's up and running fast!



HIGH SURF

 Large powerful waves are generated by winds and storms at sea sometimes thousands of miles from the Hawaiian Islands. Seasonal high surf can occur on all shores. 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! Surf on the North shore may reach heights of twenty-five feet plus, - on the West shore, fifteen feet plus! These are averages - so remember, individual wave sets can get as big as fifty feet.



STRONG CURRENT

 These are swift moving channels of water against which it is difficult to swim. Strong 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. 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. Please heed all posted warnings! Your life could depend on it!



WAVES ON LEDGE

 These are large waves originating from deep water breaking on rock ledges. However, this condition can occur even when the water appears to be calm. Be very cautious when walking along rocky coastlines where waves are breaking. Rocks become slippery and are sharp, abrasive lava stone. Lava is very porous and it crumbles easily. 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 could depend on it!




In Review:

Never turn your back on the ocean!

Swim at beaches with lifeguards

Check with lifeguards for conditions

Read and observe posted sign warnings

Watch children carefully. Hold on to the younger ones.

Watch the surf for at least 15 minutes before entering the water

Never attempt to swim at the water's edge during big surf

Never surf or bodyboard in big waves unless you are an expert

Never rely on your board or leash as a substitute for your swimming ability

Never swim in big surf if you are not a strong swimmer

Do not drink alcohol or do drugs

 If In Doubt, Just Stay Out!

Never Swim Alone 

Don't Dive Into Unknown Water or Into Shallow Breaking Waves

If You Are Unable to Swim Out of a Strong Current, Signal for Help



Ways You Can Protect Hawaii's Reef

Stand only in sandy areas.

Do not stand on the reef.

The rocky areas are covered with a thin layer of living organisms, including young corals. This is the reef. These living things are very delicate, so simply touching them can cause harm. Avoid contact with the reef.

 Enjoy watching the fish, but don't feed, chase or touch them. Human food are not recommended for fish. Even commercially prepared fish foods is not a good idea since it changes fish behavior and distribution.

Try not to stir up sand while swimming. If you want to see lots of fish, swim smoothly and calmly. Sand and sediments can smother reef life and lower visibility.

Pick up trash in the water or on the beach and place it in a garbage can. Plastic bags are often blown into the water by the wind. Sea turtles can mistake these plastic bags for jellyfish, their natural food. If they eat plastic, they can get very sick or die.

Use only waterproof sunscreen. Sunscreen washes off in the water and acts as a pollutant. Please use only waterproof sunscreen or wear a T-shirt when you swim.

Use the restroom, not the reef. Urine adds unwanted nutrients to the water. Please use the restrooms at the preserve.

Do not remove anything natural from the preserve.

Avoid handling any marine life, for their safety and yours. Leave everything that belongs here. Take only photos and great memories away with you.

Spread the word. Take the time to teach others how to take care of Hawaii's living reefs.