honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, February 15, 2010

Oily substance prompts lifeguards to halt swimming

Advertiser Staff

Lifeguards warned beachgoers not to swim in waters off Kailua Beach yesterday after swimmers complained of an oily substance in the ocean.

The substance was first reported at 12:20 p.m., said Bryan Cheplic, spokesman for the city Emergency Services Department.

About 25 people complained to lifeguards after coming in contact with a slippery substance that tasted like oil, Cheplic said. A sheen of about 150 yards by 50 yards was seen off the Kailua Beach Park boat-ramp area.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Coast Guard were contacted.