Ocean Safety

Check local weather forecast and local surf reports. Know what beaches are safe, especially when bringing young keiki to the beach. 

Read all beach signs when you arrive. Conditions can change drastically day to day, but also within hours or even minutes. Some beaches are known for dangerous conditions year round or during certain seasons. For example: Sandy Beach, Makapu'u, Bounders, Ke Ike. Common Beach Signs include: "Dangerous Shorebreak," "Strong Current,"

Designate a Water Water. This person must be fully responsible for watching the keiki with constant eyes on. All Water Watchers must be close, constant and capable! A Water Watcher should have a cell phone for emergencies but not be on it otherwise. Rotate Water Watchers ever 20-30 mins. Making sure they know when they are the designated Water Watcher. Remember, if everyone is watching the keiki (kids) then no one is watching the keiki (kids)!

It is best to go to a Lifeguarded Beach, especially with small or inexperienced swimmers. Locate the lifeguard tower when you get there and set up close by. Remember lifeguards are not babysitters. They are there for preventative measures and emergencies so pleas watch your keiki (children). See the link below for a list of guarded beaches.

Make sure to communicate with your keiki prior to getting in the water. Every keiki, should ask permission prior to entering the water. Set clear boundaries by letting your keiki know where they can and cannot go. For example, find a landmark they should stay in front of and give them a boundary for the depth they can enter. "Do not go past knee deep water."

Know your limits! Some beaches are safer than others. Learn what beaches are suitable for your ocean limits. Depending on the season, wave height can dramatically fluctuate. If you get that weird sinking feeling in your stomach do not go out. As the lifeguard and they can tell you where safer beaches are down the road. Better to be safe than sorry.