Oahu's Guarded Beaches . . .

. . . On The West Shore

THE WEST SHORE -- This coast is more arid than the Windward coast and has many excellent beaches. This coast is known for its offshore fishing spots. Caution is advised during the Winter months when the high surf's waves reach heights of fifteen to twenty feet plus.

From June through September there are incidents of stinging limu (seaweed) along beach front near Ewa. Lifeguards will post affected guarded beaches; the State Health Department issues public warnings. Heed postings and warnings about it . . . the alternative is itching and burning skin for as long as twenty four hours after exposure to it.

This shoreline is in the driest areas of O`ahu. Be sure you and any keiki (children) who might be with you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Be sun safe and sensible: Be sure to wear a broad spectrum sun block, tanning lotion, or cream with a sun protective factor of 15+ - and reapply it every two hours. Don't forget your sunglasses and to wear a hat with a wide brim, too!

These are the most popular, guarded beaches on the West Shore:

HERE ARE SOME
BASIC OCEAN SAFETY TIPS:

• Swim in Lifeguarded Areas
• Never Swim Alone
• Don't Dive Into Unknown Water or Into Shallow Breaking Waves
• Ask a Lifeguard About Beach and Surf Conditions Before Swimming
• If You Are Unable to Swim Out of a Strong Current, Signal for Help
• Rely on Your Swimming Ability Rather Than a Flotation Device
• Look For, Read and Obey All Beach Safety Signs and Symbols
• If In Doubt, Just Stay Out!

Return to the Beach Hale (Home) Aloha Page. Or, use the following links to continue your beach and ocean tour: North Shore, South Shore, and the East Shore.

Or, you can go to the Beach Directory for a listing of all the beaches covered in these pages.

Suggestions, comments and recommendations are welcomed. These pages are a project of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association , a not for profit, professional association of Hawaii's lifeguards devoted to the advancement of lifesaving services and public education on beach and ocean safety.

Webmaster: This page is maintained by J. B. Lee . You can reach me by e-mail at: jblee@aloha.com . Last modified: 08-Jul-2001 04:50 PM HST

Source URI: http://www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/wshore.html

Aloha . . . malama i ke kai!