OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
Ocean safety tips
Beach safety
Our Hawaiian islands are noted for beautiful beaches, warm clear waters and big waves. Words of caution are needed as various times throughout the year strong winds, high surf and swift currents make for dangerous swimming. Please take special note of the follow tips.
Playing it safe at the beach
- A red flag flies at our beach to advise you that no lifeguards are on duty. Always stop by Aqualani Beach & Ocean Recreation for updates on ocean conditions and safety.
- Never turn your back on the ocean.
- Never body surf a wave "straight in". Instead, ride at an angle to the shoreline.
- Study the ocean before you enter it. Note the locations of rocks, breakers, currents and reefs. If in doubt, stay out.
- Enter the ocean gradually and watchfully. Breakers come in "sets" with spells of calm in between. Don't be caught off guard.
- Stay off the reefs. The reef is alive with microorganisms that do not survive our steps. Hazards of reef walking include coral cuts, sea urchin spines and eel bites.
- Duck or dive beneath breaking waves before they reach you. Do not stand in their path. Don't try to swim over them or turn your back to them.
- Never swim against a strong current. Check the shore to see which way the current is carrying you, then swim across the current, not into it.
- If in trouble, don't waste all your breath yelling for help. Save some energy to stay afloat.
- Never swim alone at an unfamiliar beach. Swim at supervised beaches or with other people. Ask beach attendants or experienced swimmers about the safety of a place before you enter the water.
- Know your limits. Don't let others dare you into the surf if you aren't sure you can handle yourself in it.
Your next vacation awaits.
