Photo Gallery: High surf

Honolulu lifeguards rescued 126 people from the high surf at Waikiki and Ala Moana beaches today and posted shark warning signs at Maili Beach after a 10-foot shark was seen swimming close to shore.

An Ocean Safety Division spokeswoman said lifeguards rescued 123 people at Waikiki Beach, with lifeguards using rescue watercraft sometimes bringing in more than one swimmer at the same time. Lifeguards also issued 739 preventative actions or warnings.

At Ala Moana Beach Park, lifeguards rescued 3 swimmers and issued 154 preventative actions.

Lifeguards also reported that they posted shark warning signs at Maili Beach after a confirmed sighting of a shark today. The shark was seen swimming in the area for at least 30 minutes.

A high surf advisory for south shore beaches is extended until 6 p.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service said waves of between 8-to-12-feet were expected today with occasional 14-foot sets. Wave heights are expected to diminish to 6-to-9-feet on Thursday.

The advisory covers nearly all Kauai and Niihau shores, southern and Waianae coast shores of Oahu, leeward shores of Maui, and all of Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii island, according to the weather service.

Forecasters warn of strong shore breaks, and rip currents that will make swimming difficult and dangerous. Beachgoers are urged to listen to ocean safety officials and to be cautious.