Ocean Tips
The ocean is a dynamic moving thing full of life. It almost appears to have moods, and these moods can change rapidly. Passive conditions can change to something serious in short order. Here are a few more suggestions that might keep you out of trouble:
A classic bit of advice is to never turn your back on the ocean. It's best to see that big wave coming before it knocks you flat.
Big waves can be really dangerous. The winter months are especially known for producing the high surf, but even small waves can send you tumbling.
Be aware of a beach condition known as shore break, when waves break right on the shore. Consult your lifeguard or updated beach reports.
A lot of coastal areas in the islands are rocky or have shelves. These can be wet, slippery, and sometimes sharp and crumbly. Waves can break over them, knock you down and take you right out to sea. It's best to stay off them.
Don't forget about the currents. The water can be lapping calmly on the beach, yet river-like currents might be in effect just off the shore. Fighting such currents has exhausted many a fine swimmer, so please do yourself a favor and consult with the lifeguard regarding what conditions might lie off-shore. If you ever find yourself caught in such a current, the general advice is to try to attract attention on shore. Rather than trying to fight the current (most likely a losing battle), swimming diagonally through it might do the trick.
If you have a love for diving or jumping, make sure you know what's in the water and how deep the water is. Shallow water and submerged rocks can do some serious damage.
Sea Hazards
Apart from waves, currents, swimming, and other water issues, there are a few other things you might want to consider when enjoying the ocean. This is not to scare you, but, again, to keep you aware so you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Watch out for coral. Don't touch it, and don't step on it. Not only is your touch harmful to the coral, the growths can be very sharp and are capable of giving you some nasty, if not dangerous, cuts! Many people wear reef shoes when venturing out into the water or along the beach. Such shoes are made for getting wet, have a sturdy sole to them, and are usually inexpensive. Reef shoes are easy to find and buy in Hawaii.
Tide pools have their own little ecosystems, and they are fascinating to explore and observe. Keep your eye out for the tide and waves. The rocks surrounding the pools can also be very slippery. And it's probably best not to touch anything you see in the pools. The tidal pool is a wonderful little world all its own that prefers not to be disrupted and you might just get pinched, cut, or stung by its inhabitants.
TRAVEL TIP
The lifeguards say, “When in doubt, stay out!” A great Web site with information on Hawaiian beach and water safety can be found at www.isurfing.com.
