[tevake]

Kauai has a disproportionate number of visitor water safety incedents.
But is taking many steps to prevent them from happening, and to deal with when they do happen.
From water safety videos playing at the airports, to lifeslings posted on signs at exposed beaches, to jr lifeguard training courses training young local beachgoers.
Highly capible lifeguards at popular beaches, equipped with jet skis with sleds to expand their range.
To teams of support people for the families of victims.
The problem is widely recognized, and is being addressed.

Both water and mountain rescue are a big part of our fire rescue teams efforts and capabilities.

But the tragic events keep happeneing. Visitors just don't appreciate the difference between the waters in Hawaii and those back home. Often putting themselves in dangerous places, or into conditions that exceed their ability to safely deal with.

Most Surfer's and local beach goers have had many occasions to warn/ inform visitors about risky situations they are putting themselves into. Or to end up assisting / rescuing them from those situations they do get into.

I once pull off a double rescue using a boogie board and fins. Two guys, fathers/ husbands got washed out a channel in the reef out front of my house. They were being carried off shore much faster than they could swim.
By the time I was rousted from the house, got my gear and got to them, they were just able to barely tread water. They did get scrapped up a bit going in over the reef. But they did walk away with their families.

A local emergency room Dr Monty Downs has seen the concequences of this problem from his work perspective and is spearheading the efforts island wide to reduce its happening.

So the situation is not being ignored or hidden from visitors.

Yet the tragedies keep happening.

So if you are heading to Hawaii, especially in the winter. Think safety first around the water.
Pause to watch the conditions at the beach for a while before going in or even near the water.
Ask locals if at unguarded beaches. Don't over estimated your abilities, or underestimate the demands of our very exposed waters/coasts!

Stay safe, have fun, watch your Keiki.

Cheers Richard