Maui is a paradise, but there are also hidden dangers here too. Maui is an isolated rocky island surrounded by a powerful ocean. There are many adventures and experiences to be had, but a misadventure is always one bad decision away. The following tips are some information intended to make you aware of some of the hidden dangers, and to help keep you safe.
Ocean and Outdoor safety should be important to everyone. This advice may be second nature to some people, but other people may be hearing it for the first time. Not everyone knows these dangers exist and they may get into danger without realizing it until it is too late.
Maui Lifeguards and rescue services do their best to protect people from dangers, but they cannot be everywhere at once. Many beaches and areas are not patrolled, and many are remote and are isolated from rescue services. So the best policy is for everyone to be informed of the dangers and to take responsibility for their own safety. In any emergency call 9-1-1
Do not Disturb Marine Life: When onshore you may encounter a nesting turtle, or a sleeping monk seal. Please respect these creatures and keep your distance, and appreciate them from afar. Do not allow children or pets to harass or disturb these creatures. When you are snorkeling you should not get in the way of turtles or attempt to touch them or ride them. Larger creatures like monk seals and sharks should not be approached or touched. Whales are protected by the marine mammal protection law which prohibits people from approaching the whales and dolphins within 200 feet.Do not feed the marine Life: Do not feed the fish, you may attract predators, or incite predatory behavior in otherwise harmless species. Your hand or other body parts could be mistaken for a food item, and you could lose an appendage.
Do not Dive into the water: This goes for freshwater streams, and near beaches too. If you do not know exactly how deep and clear the water is, then don’t dive headfirst into anything. Many people dive into shallow water, or hit a rock or other debris, and get head/neck trauma. If you must jump, jump feet first!
Cliff Jumping: This is one of the most dangerous things that causes the most injuries. Depth of streams changes daily, and the water is usually murky making it impossible to tell the depth. Even jumping feet first will not prevent injuries.
Diving into the surf: This is the number one cause of head injuries. Maui has many rocks and coral outcroppings that lurk beneath the waves.
Accidental Head Neck injuries; getting worked in the shorebreak: The local body-surfers you see on Maui are very experienced, and can play in the waves, But this activity is what causes a strikingly high number of spinal injuries on Maui. Especially on Big Beach (but anywhere with a shore-break), there are regular injuries. Many people who are unfamiliar with the wave action, or people who underestimate the power of the wave, can get into trouble. If in doubt, do not attempt to bodysurf in the shorebreak.
Skim-boarding: It looks easy when you see the local kids do it. But this can easily cause you to hit the hard sand with a lot of force, and you can break, dislocate, or hurt any part of your body. Leave this activity to the kids.
Do not step on or touch coral: Coral can cut scrape and puncture you, Coral cuts can contain venom and/or infectious organisms. Treat any coral cut seriously, and seek medical attention for any deep wounds, or if infection worsens. If there is redness or tenderness at any wound site three days after a coral cut see a doctor, because you may have an infection or worse. Sea Urchins locally known as Wana, will poke you too.
SWIM AT PATROLLED BEACHES (But not all of them)
Only certain beaches on Maui have lifeguards. If you are new to ocean swimming or want to have a “safer” experience. Then we strongly recommend only swimming at one of the beaches patrolled by Lifeguards. Swim only in the marked swimming areas that are under the watchful eye of the lifeguards. Look for notices placed by lifeguards to warn of different ocean conditions. Red flags mean beach closed. Note: Not all patrolled beaches are suitable for Swimming!!
