WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 00:00:09.670 --> 00:00:15.870 Hawaii’s magnificent beaches and warm, tropical waters can seem like paradise to ocean lovers 00:00:15.870 --> 00:00:19.850 whether you are a local or a visitor. 00:00:19.850 --> 00:00:24.990 These coastal areas can also become some of the most dangerous in the Pacific if you don’t 00:00:24.990 --> 00:00:26.960 respect the ocean. 00:00:26.960 --> 00:00:33.430 Waves in Hawaii can include powerful surf, crushing shorebreaks and even tsunamis. 00:00:33.430 --> 00:00:38.440 These waves can create even more dangerous situations with jagged rocks and reefs, and 00:00:38.440 --> 00:00:42.140 strong currents along remote, unguarded beaches. 00:00:42.140 --> 00:00:46.280 You can make sure your beach experience is safe and fun, by being prepared for these 00:00:46.280 --> 00:00:47.820 and other dangers. 00:00:47.820 --> 00:00:54.610 To be wave safe you want to be informed and situationally aware so you can stay calm before 00:00:54.610 --> 00:00:55.610 you act. 00:00:55.610 --> 00:01:00.710 To be wave safe you need to stay aware of dangers from the sand to the surf. 00:01:00.710 --> 00:01:04.430 Hawaii has an excellent system of warning signs on many beaches to let you know the 00:01:04.430 --> 00:01:06.240 hazards you might face. 00:01:06.240 --> 00:01:08.130 Be sure to take the time to read them. 00:01:08.130 --> 00:01:11.090 It could save your life. 00:01:11.090 --> 00:01:14.770 Waves breaking directly on the sand are called shorebreak. 00:01:14.770 --> 00:01:18.920 These waves can cause trauma and even spinal injuries when people are thrown into the bottom 00:01:18.920 --> 00:01:21.200 head first. 00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:26.310 Imagine the weight of a car pushing down on your head, neck or back and pinning you against 00:01:26.310 --> 00:01:27.500 the sand. 00:01:27.500 --> 00:01:33.060 That is the impact a shorebreak wave can have and change your life forever. 00:01:33.060 --> 00:01:37.960 With sharp rocks and reefs just below the water, this type of wave can become even more 00:01:37.960 --> 00:01:39.690 dangerous. 00:01:39.690 --> 00:01:45.030 Obey the warning signs and stay well clear of the water when large shorebreak conditions exist. 00:01:45.030 --> 00:01:52.900 Hawaii is also known for powerful surf that can be unlike waves you have experienced anywhere else. 00:01:52.900 --> 00:01:57.240 Large waves during high surf conditions can easily break over cliffs and rocks knocking 00:01:57.240 --> 00:02:01.499 people off their feet into deadly hazards below. 00:02:01.499 --> 00:02:07.229 Even while snorkeling or swimming, rapidly moving currents can put you in the path of powerful surf. 00:02:07.229 --> 00:02:13.530 What’s less obvious are currents like these, they can pull you into danger or push you 00:02:13.530 --> 00:02:14.720 away from safety. 00:02:14.720 --> 00:02:20.409 Even experienced ocean visitors can be overcome by the power of the waves in Hawaii, so your 00:02:20.409 --> 00:02:25.510 first choice should always be guarded beaches for any activity. 00:02:25.510 --> 00:02:29.260 Lifeguards are trained to help and they know the local waters. 00:02:29.260 --> 00:02:34.989 They are your best source for beach information and the warning flags or signs near lifeguard 00:02:34.989 --> 00:02:39.239 stands will help you know what to expect at that beach. 00:02:39.239 --> 00:02:44.129 Even if you are on one of Hawaii’s private beaches, make sure they are designated for 00:02:44.129 --> 00:02:49.260 what you want to do in the water and always know where to find help if needed. 00:02:49.260 --> 00:02:55.239 Beach conditions in Hawaii can be dramatically different from island to island and beach to beach. 00:02:55.239 --> 00:03:00.519 On Oahu there may be flat calm conditions in Waikiki, while on the North Shore, you 00:03:00.519 --> 00:03:03.569 might find huge, powerful surf. 00:03:03.569 --> 00:03:06.939 Staying situationally aware is critical. 00:03:06.939 --> 00:03:13.090 Before your feet hit the sand know your local weather and tide forecast in as much detail as possible. 00:03:13.090 --> 00:03:18.040 These conditions can make a calm shoreline become a beach full of dangerous hazards. 00:03:18.040 --> 00:03:23.970 The Hawai’i beach safety site provides real time ocean and beach conditions throughout the islands. 00:03:23.970 --> 00:03:29.380 No matter what the forecasts say always respect the power of the ocean and obey the one rule 00:03:29.380 --> 00:03:36.220 that every experienced ocean athlete and surfer follows: If in Doubt, Don’t Go Out. 00:03:36.380 --> 00:03:37.060 (help!, help!) 00:03:37.060 --> 00:03:41.719 When you see someone else in trouble, and before you act, stay calm and practice what 00:03:41.719 --> 00:03:44.610 we call “Take Ten.” 00:03:44.610 --> 00:03:49.250 Pause to alert the lifeguards, (help!) or someone on the beach and call 911. 00:03:49.250 --> 00:03:50.250 (Help!) 00:03:50.250 --> 00:03:55.080 While help is coming look for something that floats or will let you reach and assist the 00:03:55.080 --> 00:03:58.670 person in trouble while you stay safe. 00:03:58.670 --> 00:04:04.480 The most important action you can take is to protect yourself first so you don't become 00:04:04.480 --> 00:04:07.920 the tragic second victim. 00:04:07.920 --> 00:04:13.829 For thousands of years respecting the ocean has been part of the Hawaiian culture to protect 00:04:13.829 --> 00:04:15.920 themselves and others. 00:04:15.920 --> 00:04:19.970 This is still the best practice for anyone who finds themselves on the sand or in the 00:04:19.970 --> 00:04:22.270 surf of the South Pacific. 00:04:22.270 --> 00:04:29.660 Before your feet hit the sand, join us as we visit American coasts in the Ocean Today Wave Safe Series.