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W ater SAFETY
Ocean Safety Tips
Beneath the ocean’s beautiful blue surface, conditions can be unpredictable and even dangerous. In addition to observing posted signage, you may wish to check in with lifeguards before you enter the water — they’ll be happy to tell you about potential hazards like rip currents, hidden rocks and shore breaks. For your safety, please remember:
• If in doubt, don’t go out.
• Only undertake ocean activities when a lifeguard is present, or go with professionals and certified watermen.
• Check conditions before you go out and look for ocean hazards such as rip currents, rocks and shore breaks.
• Swim with a buddy.
• Know your limits and don’t push beyond your abilities.
• It’s important that you know how to swim if you go snorkeling, and at the very minimum, wear a flotation device.
• Wave heights can increase quickly. If they do, dive underneath the wave, come up behind it, and then swim to shore between wave sets.
• Do not go into the ocean under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which greatly increases your risk of drowning.
• If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm and go with the flow — don’t fight the current. Once the rip current releases you offshore, swim at an angle away from the current, towards the shore, and call or signal for help.
Kaua‘i’s Junior Lifeguard Program
The people who call Kaua‘i home have a deep connection with and respect for the power of our ocean. Most of Kaua‘i’s keiki (children) learn how to swim very early in life and many go on to become qualified lifeguards who work hard to keep our beach-going residents and visitors safe from harm.
Kaua‘i’s Junior Lifeguard Program was started in 1977 with the stated goal of “building life-long awareness of the ocean and its conditions, being knowledgeable and capable in the water and responding to situations that require rescue or preventative action.” This hands-on, week-long learning program teaches keiki between the ages of 8 and 17 valuable lifesaving skills including rescue techniques and CPR.
Blue Dolphin Charters loves our beautiful Island of Kaua‘i, its sea life, and the ocean. We prioritize the environment and resources throughout our operations. Our two spacious 65-foot catamaran vessels have recently upgraded engines to provide a more pleasant experience for passengers and sea life. All meals onboard our vessels are served with ocean-friendly compostable and recyclable materials. Marine life is an essential resource for Kaua‘i. While dolphins, turtles, whales, and other ocean creatures often approach our vessels, we comply with all federal and local laws to allow comfortable space when interacting.
It is our KULEANA to keep our ocean and sea life HEALTHY and THRIVING for future generations.
When snorkeling, UV-protective clothing or wearing reef-safe sunscreen helps protect the live reef from harmful chemicals. Be mindful that the corals are alive with sea life depending on their existence, and remember not to stand on or kick coral with your fins.