72
BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Surfers flocked to the south shore of Oahu to ride the big waves rolling in at Kewalos (among other breaks).
Waikiki lifeguards rescued four swimmers who got into trouble in Waikiki because of big waves on Oahu’s southern and western shores this morning, but there were no problems with box jellyfish reported.
A high surf advisory continues until 6 p.m. tonight because of a declining south swell. The National Weather Service is calling for surf of 7-10 feet today along the south shore and 4-8 feet along the east shore. The forecast also calls for 3-5 feet along the east shore, and 2 feet or less along the north shore.
Lifeguards helped two swimmers in front of the Moana Hotel and another two in front of the Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki, according to the city’s Ocean Safety Division.
There were no problems reported by lifeguards working in the Ala Moana area.
No box jellyfish were reported this morning on south shore beaches, but lifeguards say the stinging creatures could still show up tomorrow and advise swimmers and surfers to consult lifeguards before going into the water.
The high surf kept lifeguards busy Wednesday.
By 4 p.m, lifeguards assisted 14 people and rescued 88 others along the south shore from Ala Moana to Waikiki, an ocean safety official said. There were an additional 500 preventative actions to keep people out of the water. Waves there reached face heights of 6 to 8 feet.
Lifeguards had also assisted 60 people and rescued five others along the west shore from Yokohama to Nanakuli. There were also 74 preventative actions taken. Waves there reached face heights of 3 to 5 feet.
The high surf advisory continues until 6 p.m. tonight.
City lifeguards are also preparing for the next south swell which is expected on Saturday.
