Rough surf prompts 122 rescues off Oahu

Ocean Safety personnel performed 122 rescues and took more than a thousand preventive actions on Monday as a deadly south-southwest swell continued to diminish. 

Lifeguards recorded 104 rescues and 104 preventive actions on the south shore; 14 rescues and 520 preventive actions on the west side; and four rescues and 595 preventive actions at Sandy Beach. 

Honolulu Emergency Services spokeswoman Shayne Enright said that Ocean Safety continued to use a second rescue watercraft along the south shore due to the increased activity. 

Lifeguards reported instances of broken boards and leashes and surfers who were too tired to paddle back to shore, as well as swimmers caught in strong currents. 

On Sunday, two Schofield Barracks soldiers died after they were swept into the ocean near the Halona Blowhole. 

Ocean Safety is reminding the public to check with lifeguards before going into the water and to watch conditions for significant changes if no lifeguard is present.