OCEAN SAFETY
Hawaiians are taught to respect the ocean from an early age. Their familiarity and mastery of the ocean makes swimming and surfing look easy. You may see some very young keiki (children) flipping over in the waves close to shore and playing like little seals. This may give the false impression that bodysurfing is "Childs play".  Tourists unfamiliar with the ocean should take particular care when entering the ocean for the first time, or using an unfamiliar beach for the first time. The water looks so warm and inviting that people will jump in without taking proper care. It is best to swim at a patrolled beach with a swimming area, until you get your sea-legs. Watch the water before you enter, look for rocks and waves. Watch how the other people enter and exit the water. if in doubt ask the lifeguards. Do not dive in headfirst (this is a big mistake unless you know the water is deep and rock free). Waves can turn you upside down in a second and dump you on your head causing possible neck injury). Please be respectful of all sea creatures, Appreciate them but don't interfere with them. They are not there just for your amusement, the ocean is their home in which we are a guest. (Every marine animal large and small has a variety of defense mechanisms, which could injure or even kill you.) Touching them may result in loss of body parts. Having said that the ocean can be enjoyed relatively risk free if you follow some simple rules:

Never swim alone,
Stay close to shore,
Look before you leap,
Avoid dirty/low visibility water.
Follow the directions of lifeguards,
Never turn your back on the ocean,
Stay out of the water after heavy rain.
Don't swim after sunset or before sunrise,
Avoid fishermen, skin divers, nets and fishing boats.
Comply with posted restrictions, and beach closed signs.