HONOLULU -- Statistics released by the state show that beaches you might think are the safest have the highest number of drownings.
The calm, turquoise waters of Waikiki are so inviting. Locals and visitors go there to soak up the sun and enjoy the water. It leads the state in the number of drownings.
An average of 56 people a year drown in Hawaii and for children under the age of 17 drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death, according to statistic compiled by the state Health Department.
Over the 10-year period from 1993 to 2003, more people drowned in Waikiki, 30, than any other beach in Hawaii.
Beaches With Most Drownings 1993-2003 Waikiki, Oahu 30 Hanauma Bay, Oahu 22 Ala Moana Beach Park, Oahu 15 Makapuu, Oahu 11 Kealakekua, Big Island 9Retired lifeguard Capt. Ivan Harada saw plenty of drownings in his 26 years working in water safety.
He said the reason so many drown in Waikiki is because it has the most visitors. He also said a lot of drownings are actually brought on by heart attacks.
"They have a heart attack. By the time they pull them out of the water and work on them, they're gone," Harada said.
Lifeguards and beach boys agree, beach balls and flimsy floatation devices are dangerous for kids. A gust of wind blows the ball out of reach and children go after it without thinking about how deep the water is.
"The balls or the tubes, the kids, they chase after them. That gets them into trouble," Harada said.
Lifeguards offer this advice: be aware of conditions, respect the ocean, and parents keep an eye on your children.
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