Ocean Safety rescues hundreds as advisory-level waves roll into south shores

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A large, long-period swell will bring surf of 10 to 14 feet to south-facing shores through the middle of the week, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high surf advisory for the south shores of all islands until 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Ocean Safety officials said it made more than 270 rescues — and more than 2,100 preventative rescues. Many of those rescues were surfers who needed help to share after breaking boards and leashes.

The waves are expected to be the largest since a July 4th weekend swell. This is also the first swell to come in since the National Weather Service changed the high surf advisory threshold to 10 feet for south and east-facing shores.

Beachgoers should expect strong shore breaks and breaking waves, along with strong longshore and rip currents that could make swimming difficult and dangerous.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should follow all advice from ocean safety lifeguards and exercise caution in the water.

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