M A R I N E C O R P S B A S E H A W A I I WATER SAFETY M A R I N E C O RPS C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S HAWAII
• Big Island (Hawaii Island), Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, Niihau
• Known for offering spectacular beaches, warm water, and a wide variety of ocean activities
• Swimming, snorkeling, diving, spear fishing, fishing, kayaking, surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, stand up paddle- boarding, boating, sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, etc…. HOWEVER… HAWAIIAN WATERS CAN BE FATAL!!!
• What is the number ONE cause of DEATH to Hawaii visitors?...... DROWNING!!!
• Hawaii’s drowning rate is 13 times the national average
• Hawaii visitor drowning death rates are 10 times that of Hawaii residents
• Hawaii’s ocean environment is claiming more lives than ever do to the popularity of social media and the advertising of dangerous ocean environments to new and often unprepared ocean patrons WHO’S AT RISK? DON’T BE A STATISTIC
• Study your environment
• Observe the ocean
• Ask Lifeguards and experienced locals of the area
• Know your limits
• IF IN DOUBT……DON’T GO OUT
• Never take inexperienced people into an ocean environment beyond their abilities ENJOYING THE OCEAN SAFELY
• Pick an appropriate ocean environment for the type of activity you are doing
• Whenever possible utilize lifeguarded beaches
• Look for appropriate warning signs before entering the water
• Always watch the water for several minutes before entering to watch for waves and hazards ENJOYING THE OCEAN SAFELY
• Ask a lifeguard at the beach you are at or at a beach nearby regarding hazards and how to enjoy the beach safely • Wet sand, rocks, and ledges are indications of surf washing through (don’t get caught on wet rocks or cliff lines) • Know the weather report and current weather warnings and advisories • ALWAYS utilize the buddy system and keep an eye on each other RIP CURRENT SAFETY
Pyramid Rock Rip Current
North Beach Rip Current OAHU BEACHES OAHU BEACHES
City and County Honolulu Lifeguard Hours • Weekends: 0900-1730 • Weekdays (select locations not lifeguarded): 0900-1730
MCBH Water Safety Lifeguard Hours • Weekends, Weekdays, and Holidays: 1100-1730 OAHU BEACHES
North Shore Pipeline Waimea • Largest surf in WINTER time
• Extreme high surf 20-40 feet plus
• Ocean surge can be 40 feet plus at certain beaches
• Conditions change rapidly Keiki Sunset OAHU BEACHES
West Shore Makaha Maile • Largest surf in WINTER time
• Moderate to high surf in SUMMER time
• Extreme high surf 20-40 feet plus
• Ocean surge can be 20 feet Yokohama Moi Hole plus at certain beaches
• Conditions change rapidly OAHU BEACHES
South Shore Waikiki Beach Hanauma Bay • Largest surf in SUMMER time
• Ocean surge can be 20 feet plus at certain beaches
• Conditions change rapidly
Sandy Beach Spitting Caves MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII OAHU BEACHES
Pyramid Rock North Beach • Largest surf in WINTER time on average
• Occasional extreme high surf 30 feet plus
• Moderate to high surf year round Fort Hase Hale Koa • Ocean surge can be 20-30 feet plus at certain beaches
• Conditions change rapidly MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII OAHU BEACHES
FLAG SYSTEM
• White: Conditions Moderate
• Yellow: Conditions sever, fins required for bodyboarding and swimming
• Red Water closed Diving: Partner and Buoy Required Restricted Areas: Rule Hale • Flight Line s Koa
• Firing Range Wildlife
• Stay at least 100 feet away from seals and turtles
• Dogs must be on leashes at all times
• No dogs on beach between 1000-1500 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII OAHU BEACHES
Wildlife
• Stay at least 100 feet away from seals and turtles
• Dogs must be on leashes at all times
• No dogs on beach between 1000-1500
MCBH Beach Rule