Hawaii is the drowning capital of the world, a distinction that should prompt action. We need informational videos on incoming planes about ocean safety awareness, and a similar campaign at beach parks.  I have proposed this legislatively and advocated for it to HTA but no one wants to hear it. Unfortunately we seem to prefer sweeping this under the rug and not talking about it.
   It's not about the snorkels: many arrive here, see the beautiful blue water and sense no need for caution. After all, snorkeling looks ( and is) so easy. But the ocean always deserves respect, and many take to the water without being healthy enough, without having company for safety, and under various influences. Then currents, distance, and exhaustion affect the outcome. 
   This can be fixed by education when we finally have the will to address it. Systematically educate tourists and casual swimmers, and stop denying the problem. 
Thanks Nathan Eagle and Civil Beat for this reporting.