honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Oahu lifeguards urge extreme caution


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

A woman walked her dog on a deserted stretch of Sunset Beach this morning. Lifeguards are warning of dangerous ocean conditions along Oahu's North Shore.

JEFF WIDENER | The Honolulu Advertiser

spacer spacer

Surf along Oahu’s North Shore hasn't been as large as expected this morning, but lifeguards are continuing to urge caution.
As of 3 p.m., about 450 verbal warnings were issued to beachgoers from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach and Nanakuli Beach to Makaha Beach. The Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division also made three rescues at Waimea Bay and did two assists using personal watercraft.

Bryan Cheplic of the city’s Emergency Services Department said buoys showed waves peaking this morning at 15 to 18 feet with occasional 20-foot faces.
Cheplic said that while the surf is likely to subside through the day, waves remain very large and southwest winds are creating choppy conditions unsuitable for surfing.
He said there were no reports of property damage or water crossing roads.
The National Weather Service has extended a high-surf warning for north- and west-facing shores throughout the state, effective until 6 a.m. Friday. The weather service says wave heights will increase to 25 to 35 feet tomorrow.
Lifeguards are urging beachgoers to exercise extreme caution and to heed all warning signs that might be posted.
Information on ocean conditions is available by calling 922-3888, ext. 51, or by going online at www.hawaiibeachsafety.org