Surf the Web before heading into isle surf
A new state Web site offers beach-hazard ratings in an effort to reduce drownings
With Hawaii having almost the highest drowning rate in the nation, Gov. Linda Lingle launched a statewide information initiative yesterday to prevent ocean-related accidents and deaths.
While proclaiming May 22-28 Hawaii Beach Safety Week, Lingle introduced a beach-hazard rating system on a new Web site to help beachgoers decide which location best suits their water skills and activities before heading out.
At a news conference yesterday at the state Capitol, the governor said consulting the Web site,
www.hawaiibeachsafety.org, would be a "wise move" for any beachgoer, especially tourists unfamiliar with the beaches.
"Death is preventable in so, so many cases," Lingle said.
Ralph Goto, president of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, which helped create the Web site, said the primary cause of drownings and ocean accidents is "not being prepared for a particular experience." He hoped residents and tourists would use the Web site to prevent them from being caught unaware by ocean conditions, he said.
Dr. Chiyome Fukino, state health director, said statistics show Hawaii has the second-highest resident drowning rate in the United States, and if drownings included visitors, Hawaii may lead the nation. There have been an average of 64 deaths per year from 2001 to 2006, divided nearly equally between Hawaii residents (48 percent) and nonresidents (52 percent).
The only state that rivals Hawaii is Alaska, where 25 residents drown per year on average, based on the years 2000-04. Drownings involving nonresidents are not tallied.
Fukino said the Web site would receive updated information from the National Weather Service at least every six hours and "instant updates for urgent advisories."
Web site co-creator Chip Fletcher, chairman of the UH Department of Geology and Geophysics, said other Web sites offer information on wave conditions that benefit surfers more than beachgoers. The new site would rate beaches according to their hazardous conditions for all islands and provide information on what amenities (like restrooms) are available and what activities are most suited for a particular beach (like windsurfing or snorkeling), he said.
Lingle's proclamation also lauded the "dedicated and courageous" lifeguards who risk their lives daily. She said Hawaii's lifeguards and water safety system rank among the world's best.
Lingle added, quoting Beach Safety Week slogans: "Swim near a lifeguard. And if in doubt, don't go out.''
