I agree with you that scapegoating snorkels masks the true complexity of the problem (pun unintended). Ocean safety as well as trail safety requires a more comprehensive solution than blaming the equipment or individual people. I'm seeing a lot of calls for more education, but in my experience, knowledge alone rarely leads to better decision-making. Furthermore, over-regulation will simply drive business away or cause tour operators to implement token solutions (such as a safety video nobody watches). What I would advocate is education + effective regulation (informed by data and input from businesses and safety experts) + cultural change. One of the major promoters of safety can be the Hawaii residents who aren't drowning at such high rates. Tourists rarely go out without asking hotel staff, or checking online sources such as yelp/blog. When we see tourists doing stupid dangerous things, say something... and say it with Aloha. Re-enforce the message.