These Beach Warning Signs have been copyrighted since 1986 by the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association. A ridge or swell moving through or along the surface of a large body of water. A widespread, persistent meteorological condition, especially of temperature. A disturbance traveling through a medium by which energy is transferred from one particle of the medium to another without causing any permanent displacement of the medium itself.
Waves are probably the single most dangerous naturally destructive occurrence on any shoreline.
Try to imagine the weight of a large wave as it crashes on the beach or rocks, the force can be measured in tons per square inch. Most of the really serious injury accidents that occur in Hawaii's beaches are wave related injuries. Broken bones, lacerated skin, and bruised muscles are just a few of the injuries. Spinal injuries are especially common with activities like surfing, body surfing, and body boarding. Virtually all sports involving riding waves could be considered hazardous.