HALEIWA, Hawaii (KHON2) — Most north and west-facing shores are under a High Surf Warning and lifeguards are doing their best to warn people of the danger after three drownings since October on Oahu’s North Shore.
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Oahu lifeguards issued 10,000 warnings and needed to conduct 15 rescues, but the big waves did not stop the Haleiwa Pro from going down on Friday, Nov. 29.
“It’s like four times overhead. Yeah. So it’s it’s very solid,” said World Surf League regional tour manager Marty Thomas. “We had a couple of broken leashes and broken boards. We have Hawaiian Water Patrol on hand, the best in the business. If a surfer breaks a leash or breaks a board, they can get a ride on the skis to the beach, grab a backup board, and then paddle back out.”
The competition was called off around noon due to unruly conditions, lifeguards said their main concern is actually for people who are on shore at other unguarded beaches.
“These swells can rapidly rise up within hours. And where you were with your stuff can be underneath water within the next hour. So it’s like with these swells, it’s very dangerous. It can easily sweep out you and your little ones and your belongings out to sea where you don’t want to be,” said Honolulu Ocean Safety North Shore Division Lt. Kyle Foyle.
Shark’s Cove — which is usually a popular snorkeling spot — was taped off on Friday and lifeguards tried to make sure visitors stayed away.
“Yeah, he told us no swimming today which, you know, I wasn’t really planning to get in there. Yeah, not, not, not that great of a swimmer. No life jacket. We’re from Nebraska, so pretty landlocked, pretty, no waves! I mean, the closest we get is corn, so,” said Omaha visitor Sara Badura.
Lifeguards said despite tape, signage and warnings, three men barely survived in between Ke Iki Beach and Shark’s Cove when a large wave overtook them.
“People don’t know. They come on vacation. They spend a lot of money to get to our beautiful state and they want to go to the beach. And it’s our job to kind of make sure they’re educated and that they go home safe,” Lt. Foyle said.
Lifeguards said the rough conditions are expected to last at least until Sunday, Dec. 1 and advised anyone who is not a strong swimmer or an experienced surfer to just stay out of the water.
“This whole weekend. It’s going to be very dangerous. So even when the waves are coming down, we still have those bigger sets coming in and it’s it’s dangerous. So please go to your guarded beaches, talk to your lifeguards, and just look, heed to our science and our tape,” Lt. Foyle said.