It seems like, by some cosmic intervention, big swells drop on holidays.
Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July – quite often, big waves correlate with these holidays. Or perhaps it’s just selective memory, since there are two big events happening on the same day, both fireworks and celebrations in the water and on land.
But this Thanksgiving weekend is no different as a very large swell is headed for the North Shore of Oahu, and it has officials warning against potential dangers.
“Some wave heights up to 40-to-50-feet,” newscasters reported, leading into the weekend.
As mentioned, this has ocean safety officials on high alert. Surfers attempting to brave the big waves are a primary concern, of course, but also visitors. The North Shore is a hotspot for uninformed tourists getting too close to the ocean, and getting swept away.
“This is a very hazardous day,” said Kerry Atwood of Honolulu Ocean Safety. “We wanna remind people: If you’re going to come out to the North Shore, remember, there’s no recreational swimming today. This is for experts only. If you’re coming out to the North Shore, be prepared to view the surf from a county beach park with a fixed lifeguard station. Stay on the beaten path. Don’t venture off the beaten path.”
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Earlier this season, before things really kicked off on the North Shore, an elderly couple was washed out to sea at Keiki Beach on the North Shore, while simply strolling along the sand. That led to a dramatic rescue, and the two being hospitalized.
As for the surfers, the non-tourists, Atwood advised:
“Sit down if you’re gonna go in the water. See the sets. Make sure it is in your skillset, that you’re not overestimating your ability.”
Stay tuned in the coming days; sounds like there’s going to be some epic action coming out of the North Shore. And, as always, here’s hoping there’s no casualties this swell.
Related: Three Drownings Devastate Hawaii Amidst High Surf (Video)
