Safety Matters
While Waikīkī and many other areas of O’ahu offer pristine waters to swim in at a comfortable temperature year-round, the open ocean presents a number of hazards. The ocean is not a pool and unexpected conditions should be expected at any time. Conditions can change rapidly including strong surface and rip currents, quick tidal changes, shallow and sharp reefs, breaking waves, and heavy chop when current meets the wind. WSC underscores the importance of swimming with a group with local knowledge. Please choose a beach with a lifeguard and ask the lifeguard before getting in the water if you have any questions!
Following heavy rains, runoff may cause turbidity and “brown water” warnings. Brown water warnings are accompanied by high bacteria counts. Special care should be taken to wash appropriately after swimming.
Boats are a special concern, as swimmers may be hard to see in the water, especially if there is a lot of glare on the water. (Brightly colored swim caps and swimmer awareness are a must in the ocean).
Jellyfish and Man-o-war
Box Jellyfish
Box jellyfish (Carybdea alata, C. rastoni, and C. sivickisi) arrive on lunar cycles and can inflict very painful stings. These painful jellies show up monthly approximately 7-11 days after the full moon, check the Oahu Box Jellyfish Calendar. We advise that you do not swim when Box Jellyfish are present, or expected. They are found primarily on the south facing shores, but also show up on west and north facing shores.
Portugese Man-o-war
Though the Man-O-War (Physalia utriculus) Hawaiian names ‘ili mane‘o, palalia, pa’imalau is not a jelly fish the sting can be painful, and dangerous for those allergic. Unlike the box jelly, man-o-war appearances do not align with lunar cycles. Instead, these invertebrates appear most frequently on windward coasts, most commonly carried to shore by winds. Occasionally, man-o-war appear on south and north facing shores when wind direction is favorable.
After a sting… what should I do?
Soaking the sting in hot or warm water or using a warm compress has been the most effective treatment our swimmers have found for jellyfish and man-o-war stings. Some swimmers have experienced success with vinegar. Ensure to pick out any tentacles. If you feel any shortness of breath seek medical attention immediately, as this can be a sign of an allergic reaction.
Waikīkī Swim Club 