Ignorance in Paradise: Multitudes Killed in Hawaii

The number of tourists coming to Hawaii set new records in recent years, but beyond the enchantment of the island state a very alarming trend is emerging: large numbers of tourists are losing their lives while on holiday in Hawaii, and data shows it’s probably not coincidental.
The average accidental drowning among tourists in Hawaii is 13 times more than the US average and 10 times more than that for Hawaii residents. How is this happening? First, many vacationers feel they are in paradise and can do whatever they want, they are ignorant of the dangers that lurk within the beautiful scenery. Second, the state isn’t doing enough to warn or educate them. More than 150 tourists were killed during visits to Hawaii in the past three years – half of them drowned to death. The incidence of drowning among tourists in Hawaii is 5.7 cases per million tourists. In other US coastal states, the accidental drowning rate is much lower.  Local officials in Hawaii’s tourism industry claim there is not enough responsibility being taken to educate the 8.8 million visitors traveling to the state every year.
According to them, when averaged out, each week at least one tourist in Hawaii is killed; resulting from common recreational activities such as swimming, diving or hiking. Not to mention thousands more requiring rescue or suffering serious injuries.  Vacationers need to be warned of the dangers of feeling they can do whatever they want because they’re in heaven.  Teaching tourists about the risks that lurk in paradise while onboard flights and at their hotels could help prevent unnecessary tragedies.

by Erica McMillan