Posted on: Saturday, June 11, 2005

Lifeguards aid 138 as south swell peaks

Advertiser Staff

Big surf and crowded beaches kept Honolulu lifeguards busy yesterday, with 18 people needing to be rescued and 120 others requiring assistance on O'ahu, according to Capt. Paul Merino, who heads the South Shore Water Safety District.

Most of the help was needed on the south shore, where waves were the largest on the island yesterday, in the 6- to 10-foot range. That attracts surfers and body boarders but creates hazardous conditions, Merino said.

"For Kamehameha Day, a holiday, with high surf and hot weather, we're knocking on wood that we only get 18," he said.

Three rescued surfers went to the hospital with serious injuries including a broken arm, a broken ankle and a dislocated shoulder, he said. Eight of those rescued were children.

A storm near New Zealand last week produced the south swell that is hitting the south-facing shores of all Hawaiian islands, according to the National Weather Service.

Surf is expected to drop 5 to 8 feet today on south shores, 5 to 8 feet on east-facing shores, 3 to 6 feet on west-facing shores and 2 feet or less on north-facing shores.

Lifeguards advise swimmers to use extra caution this weekend and check in at lifeguard towers for current conditions before enter the water.

Merino said parents should keep a careful watch over children.