Do we need to go over the rules again?

But millions of visitors to Hawai’i over the years have survived their vacations quite happily, in large part thanks to their answers to these and other commmonsense questions:

• Do I know what I’m doing in the ocean — snorkeling, boogie boarding or even open-water swimming?
• If not, will I seek out qualified instruction once in the islands?
• If I do know how, can I accept that conditions in Hawai’i might be more challenging than those found elsewhere, and adjust my behavior accordingly?
• Will I read the beach safety brochures in hotel rooms, check the local newspapers and/or online updates for current conditions, and talk to locals before heading to a specific beach?
• Can I remember that a pretty guidebook picture or the advice of friends might portray different conditions from what’s actually in front of me?
• At the beach, will I take warning signs into account, and — especially if I see no one in the water, or only people who appear to be other visitors — will I consider heading to a lifeguarded beach instead, or just enjoying the view from a safe distance on the sand?

And after thinking about this, we have to admit – we’ve made some bad decisions in our day. Snorkeling alone, snorkeling too far from shore, or in rough conditions. 99% of the time you will be fine doing these sorts of things – but who ever expects those “1%” types of things to happen? Certainly not the people who are killed every year. Be safe out there everyone.

2 Snorkelers Injured in Florida when they are hit by a boat

66 Year old man dies while snorkeling in Hawaii

Woman Steps on Sea Urchin with Painful Results

Unfortunately, these types of things happen regularly – especially with the elderly and those who aren’t strong swimmers. Remember – never snorkel alone, choose your locations carefully and don’t snorkel if you can’t swim.