How many tourists die each year on Maui while snorkeling? Too many, and it is probably because they have zero experience with the sport. Once their mask fills with water, or they dive and cannot clear their snorkel, they panic, and they drown. It’s as simple as that.

There should be a warning video on every plane that comes over, with a message something like “free diving or snorkeling is a sport that should only be undertaken by people with experience or in very good physical condition, other participants should not snorkel in waters over their head.”

Of course, snorkel and dive tour companies, gear rental companies and maybe the visitors bureau will lobby against any negative message. But for the sake of humanity, some sort of very serious warning should be part of every plane’s welcoming video.

Steve Slater

Kihei