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Kauai Ocean Safety
Kauai is diverse and its natural beauty is stunning. But, nature also has a dangerous side to it - especially for the uninitiated. Before going to the beach and swimming in the ocean, make sure you do a few things (that you might not normally plan on doing before say, going to a public beach in Florida...) The Pacific Ocean is much more dynamic than the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the Hawaiian Islands are one of the most isolated land masses on earth, more than 3,000 miles from the closest large body of land. These islands are subject to the powerful Trade Winds and because of the rapid drop-offs, shallow reefs, and irregular shorelines, can host large waves and strong currents. Check the weather and ocean report for the day you plan on going to the beach. Pay particular attention to the winds, surface conditions, and any weather advisories or warnings (such as small-craft advisories, large ocean swells, or storms.) Once arriving at the beach, scan the area and check for potential hazards. Once again, take a look at the ocean conditions and see where people are swimming and where there may be surfers or boat traffic. Keep an eye out for any shallow reef, rocky shoreline, and where the waves are breaking.
If you are concerned, make sure you pick a beach that has a lifeguard. Remember, only a handful of beaches on Kauai have lifeguards. Also, make sure you swim, snorkel, or dive with a buddy. For more information on which Kauai beaches have lifeguards, call (808) 241-6506. Before entering the water, ask the lifeguards or locals about the conditions and which areas to avoid. Remember, you can see what the waves are doing on the surface, but underwater currents may be much harder to pick up (until you are swimming in it). Always heed posted warning signs - they are posted for a reason and they just might save your life! Warning signs are posted in the coastal areas and may warn you about large waves, strong currents, undertows, slippery rocks, sharks, jellyfish, and other hazardous conditions. Stay on dry sand, sea walls or rocks, and never turn your back to the ocean. A rogue wave can sweep you off the beach or pull you out to deep water without warning. Avoid risky behavior such as climbing on rocks to take your photo with big surf breaking in the background. Make sure you apply sunscreen often and liberally all over your exposed skin. Wear a rash guard if you have one - it will keep you warm, sunburn-free, and protect you from cuts and scrapes and jellyfish. Use the right gear - get mask, snorkel, and fins that fit you properly when snorkeling. We aren't trying to scare you, but we have in the past ignored some of these tips and have gotten into a bit of trouble... Once, we ignored a NO SWIMMING sign (because we are locals and very familiar with swimming in Hawaiian waters) and did not see the underwater surging current that flowed through a channel. We traversed this channel while SCUBA diving and on our return back to shore found out we could not overcome the ocean force to swim back to land. Only by sheer luck and determination were we able to claw our way underwater on the edge of the reef to overcome the current and made it to shore almost running out of air... Read our other Travel Planning Articles:
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