As the winter season begins, Honolulu Ocean Safety urges the public visiting beaches along Oahu’s north shore to be aware of the risks the ocean can pose to one’s safety.

From now through the end of March, shorelines will be experiencing huge, dangerous surf, according to officials, and even spectating can be very dangerous.

Officials advise staying above the water line and never venturing onto wet rocks. Refrain from swimming and snorkeling during the winter months when ocean currents are extremely strong.

On Wednesday, Ocean Safety officials said lifeguards were on watch at beaches experiencing consistent large surf with sets up to 20-foot faces. At 3:45 p.m., North Shore lifeguards took over 3,100 preventative actions with the most taken at Waimea Bay followed by Sunset Beach, Haleiwa and Sharks Cove. Lifeguards at Alii Beach conducted one rescue.

Honolulu Ocean Safety encourages beachgoers to always check in with lifeguards to understand ocean conditions.