Snorkel safety event planned in Kaanapali today
Presentation will focus on drowning prevention efforts
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The Maui News
As part of Hawaii Beach Safety Week, Maui County Ocean Safety officers will be offering snorkel safety information from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel.
Battalion Chief Kevin McAfee and other members of the ocean safety team will be on hand to talk about drowning prevention efforts in Maui County in an effort to battle the fifth leading cause of fatal injuries in Hawaii, drowning.
Drowning is the leading cause of fatal injuries for visitors, the Department of Health said. From 2013 to '17, there have been 383 deaths from ocean drowning in Hawaii.
Ocean-related activities are the second most common cause of spinal cord injuries in Hawaii with 80 percent of these injuries involving visitors.
"We would like to remind the public that ocean conditions can change in an instant," said Cary Kayama, ocean safety operations manager on Maui and active Drowning and Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee member. "It is important to pay close attention to your surroundings and consult a lifeguard about ocean conditions: If in doubt, don't go out."
The committee is coordinated by the state Department of Health and brings together organizations from all four counties, as well as state and nonprofit groups.
The Kaanapali event is part of a statewide campaign that culminates with the annual Ocean Safety Conference and Junior Lifeguard Championships on Kauai on Friday.