HONOLULU — On Sunday, Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued more than 11 individuals, and made more than 300 preventative actions at Sandy Beach. Personnel also rescued two individuals and made more than 200 preventative actions at Makapu‘u Beach on Oahu’s East side. The surf was in the 4-6 foot range and there was a strong current.

“Sandy Beach is notorious for rescues and preventive actions when there is a swell, even when there isn’t large surf, it can be dangerous,” said Shayne Enright, an Ocean Safety Department spokeswoman. “[Sunday], there was a swell with a strong rip current and swimmers, body surfers and body boarders were finding themselves caught up in it and unable to get out.”

 

Warning signs are always posted throughout the day to prevent these types of accidents, as well as announcements on the PS system, per Enright. 

Beachgoers are strongly encouraged to check in with the lifeguards before going swimming. It is important to know your limits in the ocean, meaning you need to be a strong swimmer in areas including Sandy Beach, where surf can be large and dangerous.

Nuy Cho is the executive producer of Spectrum News Hawaii. Read more of her stories here.