Most (84%) of the fatal drownings in Hawaii were in the ocean. Snorkeling was the most common activity, associated with 27% of all ocean drownings and 42% of those among non-residents.
| x | Non Fatal |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 112 |
| 2016 | 58 |
| 2017 | 53 |
Why do so many people drown in Hawaii?
Snorkeling is the leading cause of fatal injuries for visitors in Hawaii. Yamamoto also said he believes the higher number of snorkeling deaths is due to more visitor arrivals, but he also attributes the increase to the tourism industry not wanting to scare away tourists.
What state has the highest number of drownings?
Drownings
| 1 | Hawaii | 3.5 |
| 2 | Alaska | 2.8 |
| 3 | Montana | 2.4 |
| 4 | Louisiana | 2.2 |
| Rank | State | Rate |
|---|
How many people drown in Kauai every year?
The average annual number of visitors has increased from around 600,000 in the 1970s to around a million in recent years. Overall, that works out to about one drowning death on Kauai per year for every 100,000 visitors; however, of considerable interest are the details.
What is the most common activity resulting in visitor drowning incidents in Hawaii?
Drowning is by far the leading cause of death for tourists in Hawaii and snorkeling is the most common activity that leads to visitor drownings. State health department records over the past decade show that Hawaii’s visitor-drowning rate is 13 times the national average and 10 times the rate of Hawaii residents.
How many tourists drown in Hawaii each year?
Hawaii Drowning Statistics: Hawaiian Beaches Can Be Dangerous, Especially for Tourists. Between 2008 and 2017, 682 people drowned in Hawaii’s oceans. That’s an average of 68 deaths per year—and more than half of the deceased were tourists.
Why are people dying while snorkeling?
A three-year study by a subcommittee established in 2019 by the state Department of Health found that tourist snorkeling deaths are largely not due to the inhalation of water, but instead the result of low oxygen levels in body tissues prompted by excess fluid buildup in the lungs.
What happens when you drown but survived?
Near Drowning Survivors may Have Serious Brain Damage
Even if a near drowning victim is successfully revived, the interruption of oxygen to the brain may have enough to cause severe brain damage. Brain hypoxia is the name for a condition where the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen.
How many people drown a day?
The drowning numbers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are shocking. An estimated 3,960 fatal unintentional drownings happen every year in the United States (including boating incidents). That is an average of 11 drowning deaths per day.
How many surfers drown each year?
Statistically, there are around 10 surfing deaths every year. However, the number of injuries per surfer is lower than the surfing industry statistics suggest. Contact with another surfer causes about 0.26 deaths every year.
Which Hawaiian island has most drownings?
island of Maui
Most (92%, or 57) of the 62 ocean drownings on Maui County were on the island of Maui.
How many people drown in Maui per year?
With the new data, Maui now averages 12-25 drownings a year with 171 deaths categorized as an “underlying cause of death.” (see below). Of those deaths the study showed that 72% of ocean related deaths happened to visitors, with 72 of those deaths caused by drowning.
How many people have died in Kauai?
Kauai County, Hawaii coronavirus cases and deaths
| Total Reported | 7-Day Average (Aug 04) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cases | 16,587 | 20 |
| Deaths | 37 | 0 |
Is it safe to swim in Hawaii?
“Hawaii’s rate of drownings per visitor is 13 times the national average…and 10 times the drowning rate for Hawaii residents,” The Huffington Post says, reporting that nearly one visitor dies per week in Hawaii, typically while engaged in common vacation activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.
How many tourist go missing in Hawaii?
Hawaii ranks 8th in states with the most missing people
| State | Total Number of Missing Persons | Missing People per 100,000 Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 45 | 7.8 |
| Hawaii | 107 | 7.5 |
| Montana | 71 | 6.8 |
| New Mexico | 143 | 6.8 |
How safe is snorkeling in Hawaii?
As long as you’re vigilant to keep an eye on the surrounding environment and the behavior of the water, snorkeling in Maui is very safe for the entire family! If you’re ready to experience the ocean in ways you’ve never seen before, you need to plan a snorkeling tour with Kai Kanani!
Is Honolulu safe for tourists?
Honolulu is very safe for tourists, though there are some neighborhoods that are best avoided. Back in 2015. it was actually ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States. Avoid sketchy neighborhoods and take normal precaution measures.
Have there been any shark attacks in Hawaii?
Since the time that shark attacks have been recorded by DLNR, officially there have been 6 deadly shark attacks in Hawaii, and all of those have taken place on Maui. Those took place in 2020, 2019, 2015, 2013 (2), and 2004 (source). Maui is the hot spot for human shark encounters followed by Oahu.
What should you not do while snorkeling?
Do not touch corals, fish or turtles. The only thing you can touch safely is sand and rock and water (that means with your fins also). Read our snorkeling etiquette page for learning how to develop skills for taking a break in the water without having to stand. Don’t use harmful sunscreen.
How do you drown while snorkeling?
Snorkelers have to get fresh air by breathing through the dead space. But that can increase carbon dioxide in a person’s blood. “The rise in carbon dioxide in your body makes you sleepy,” Vu said. “Sleepy snorkelers eventually drown.”
How many people drown while snorkeling?
Department of Health officials say there are an average of 21 fatal drownings among snorkelers each year and 92-percent of those victims are visitors. The data is from 2009 and 2018. They do not have data for 2019 yet. They also said more victims drown while snorkeling than from simply swimming.