![[BEACH SIGN - © 1986, Hawaiian Lifeguard Association]](signwolp.jpg)
Ocean Safety Beach Signs - Page 2 of 2
Developed and Used in Hawai`i
On This Page . . .
Help Us To Develop National Standards
For Beach and Ocean Safety Signs
Ocean Safety Beach Signs - Page 2 of 2Developed and Used in Hawai`iOn This Page . . .Help Us To Develop National Standards And, on Ocean Safety Signs Page 1 . . . |
DANGEROUS SHOREBREAKWarning Level: HAZARDOUS Condition Description: This is the condition when waves break directly on the shore. Shorebreaks are unpredictable and dangerous. They have caused many serious neck and spinal injuries to both experienced and inexperienced bodysurfers and swimmers. Comments: Small waves can be very dangerous, too! Be sure to ask a lifeguard about the wave conditions at the beach you may be attending. Be especially careful when the surf's up and running fast!  Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ] |
 
SHARP CORALWarning Level: HAZARDOUS Condition Description: Most of Hawaii's beaches have sharp coral reefs close to the shoreline. Use caution when swimming in shallow reef areas. Foot protection is advised. Comments: Should you be injured, see a lifeguard for minor first aid assistance. City and County of Honolulu lifeguards can radio or call for an emergency ground or helicopter emergency medical ambulance in very severe circumstances. Should coral become embedded deeply see your doctor as soon as possible to have it removed. Deep cuts should be attended to by a physician to avoid the risk of infection. If you're tide pooling or reef walking wear protective foot gear. Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ]
SUDDEN DROP OFFWarning Level: HAZARDOUS Condition Description: O`ahu is an Island and its beaches and reefs do not extend a long distance as some beach areas elsewhere in the world. The "shelf" or "drop point" of the Island rapidly begins to decline and waters become very deep within short distances from the shore. Comments: There are also deep holes and caves in some places close to shoreline caused by collapsed lava tubes or naturally occurring conditions. Even experienced swimmers and divers have been "sucked" into the holes or caves - especially during fast currents and high waves. If you are new to a beach, for that matter even when you're not, ask a lifeguard about any particular or unique conditions of the ocean nearby - drop points, location of deep holes or caves, etc. Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ] |
SLIPPERY ROCKSWarning Level: HAZARDOUS Condition Description: Naturally occurring shore rocks become very slippery. Waves hitting a person on slippery rocks equal a potential fall and resulting injury or other trauma. Comments: Remember - Be very cautious when walking along rocky coastlines where waves are breaking. Don't ever go into the wet rocky zone. The ocean is unpredictable and has been known to wash people away. Don't put yourself in a position where you could be swept away. Please heed all posted warnings! Your life might depend on it! Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ]
MAN-OF-WARWarning Level: HAZARDOUS Condition Description: Often offshore winds blowing into the shore combine with ocean currents to "push" stinging blue "jellies" - the Portuguese Man-of-War or "Bluebottle" - to the shore. The stings of these "jellies" can be quite painful and even life threatening for some. Comments: Should you be stung, see a lifeguard for minor first aid assistance, if necessary. City and County of Honolulu lifeguards can radio or call for an emergency ground or helicopter emergency medical ambulance in very severe circumstances. These stings cause anaphylactic shock in some persons - some of the severe symptomatic manifestations include shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest. IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION MAY BE REQUIRED! (Note: jellyfish and sea anemones can cause similar severe anaphylactic shock reactions.) Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ]
JELLYFISHWarning Level: HAZARDOUS Condition Description: Often offshore winds blowing into the shore combine with ocean currents to "push" jellyfish - to the shore. This is especially so nine to ten days after the full moon, when box jellyfish - Carybdea alata - "swarm" in Hawai`i. Jellyfish stings can be quite painful and even life threatening for some. Comments: Should you be stung, see a lifeguard for minor first aid assistance, if necessary. City and County of Honolulu lifeguards can radio or call for an emergency ground or helicopter emergency medical ambulance in very severe circumstances. These stings cause anaphylactic shock in some persons - some of the severe symptomatic manifestations include shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest. IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION MAY BE REQUIRED! (Note: portuguese men-of-war and sea anemones can cause similar severe anaphylactic shock reactions.) Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ] |
NO SWIMMINGWarning Level: HAZARDOUS Condition Description: It has been determined that swimming can be very hazardous in the vicinity. Comments: This sign is posted when natural or
other conditions may cause severe bodily harm. Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ]
NO DIVINGWarning Level: HAZARDOUS Condition Description: It has been professionally determined that it would be dangerous to dive into the water in the immediate vicinity due to threatening natural or other conditions. Comments: Diving into unknown waters, simply,
can be hazardous. Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ] |
NO BOARDSAILINGWarning Level: Prohibited Activity Condition Description: It has been determined that engaging in boardsailing can be dangerous or otherwise cause a conflict for others in the immediate vicinity. Comments: There are many fine boardsailing sites on O`ahu. Ask the lifeguard or call a local boardsailing shop to find out their locations. Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ]NO BOARDSURFINGWarning Level: Prohibited Activity Condition Description: It has been determined that engaging in boardsurfing can be dangerous or otherwise cause a conflict for others in the immediate vicinity. Comments: There are numerous excellent boardsurfing sites on O`ahu. Ask the lifeguard or call a local surf shop to find out their locations. Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ] |
BEACH CLOSEDWarning Level: Prohibited Activity Condition Description: It has been determined by appropriate public safety authority that there is sufficient danger in the immediate vicinity that the posted beach should be closed. Comments: Beaches are closed usually only when there are extremely dangerous conditions or potentially hazardous conditions such as high surf, hurricanes, tai-fun, potential tsunami (tidal waves) or other similar climactic or environmental conditions. Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ]For Beach and Ocean Safety Signs 
The signs depicted on this page were developed locally in Hawai`i. The leadership of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (HLA) has been tasked to chair a committee which has the responsibility to recommend national standards for beach and ocean signage. Additionally, HLA has opened communications with ANSI - the American National Standards Institute and the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention on establishing relevant beach and ocean safety signage. We welcome any comments you might have. We would particularly like to receive scientific, technical or other expert studies, net links and pointers, or scholarly citations that might be appropriate. Please feel free to direct your comments and other information to the following: Chair, Signage Committee United States Lifesaving Association 3823 Leahi Avenue Honolulu, Hawai`i 96815 USA Telephone: (808) 922-3888 *** Facsimile: (808) 922-0411
Top of the Page | Beach Signs Page 1 ] |
HERE ARE SOME
|
![[MAILBOX]](icmail.gif)
E-mail to: ![[ A Gathering... ]](gatherin.gif){kind=small}
Suggestions, comments and recommendations are welcomed.
These pages are a project of the ![[ Brainy Smurf ]](brainysmurf.jpg)
