Posted at 10:54 a.m., Monday, December 3, 2007
Mild jellyfish influx under way along Oahu south shores
Advertiser Staff
The city's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division this morning confirmed a mild influx of box jellyfish on O'ahu's southern shores.About 10 were found in Waikiki and 13 washed up at Hanauma Bay during the early morning hours.
The monthly box jellyfish influx follows last week's Portuguese man-of-war presence on O'ahu's southern shores. Approximately 200 Portuguese man-of-war were found in Waikiki yesterday but none have been found this morning.
"Our concern now shifts to the monthly box jellyfish influx as well as the large winter surf on Oahu's North Shore," said Bryan Cheplic, public information officer for the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, said in a city-issued news release.
"Although neither the large winter swell or the box jellyfish influx are considered to be unusual occurrences, we are still asking all O'ahu beachgoers to check with a city lifeguard before entering the water today."
As anticipated, large and potentially hazardous surf is rolling into the North Shore this morning. The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf warning for the north facing shores of Niihau, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Molokai, and Maui through tonight. In addition, a high-surf advisory has been issued for the west facing shores of Kaua'i, Maui and the north facing shores of the Big Island through tonight. Surf along north and west facing shores is expected to reach a 20- to 30-foot face value range by this evening.
Please take the necessary precautions to protect life and property.
The Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division would like to remind beachgoers:
For public information regarding ocean conditions, advisories, and warnings, the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division provides a pre-recorded report which can be accessed 24 hours a day; at 922-3888 x 51 or visit: www.hawaiibeachsafety.org
