The deadly risks of snorkeling in Hawaii

The Wailea to Maluaka coastline is calm and popular for snorkeling, including Turtle Town near Makena Landing. The beaches have no warning signs or lifeguard stands, even though drowning is a leading cause of visitor injury-related deaths and snorkeling is a leading cause of ocean drownings. State health data shows 32 visitor deaths due to ocean drownings from 2014 to 2023 along Wailea Beach, Makena Landing, and Maluaka Beach. Another report found 17 deaths between Makena Landing and Makena Beach from 2009 to 2018, including 11 snorkelers. Fatalities include visitors who drowned while snorkeling or swimming off Makena Landing, Maluaka Beach, and nearby waters. The pattern resembles Puu Kekaa in Kaanapali, which also lacks a lifeguard. Ocean safety guidance emphasizes swimming at lifeguarded beaches and never snorkeling alone, while noting that lifeguards cannot cover every beach and education and rescue equipment are essential.

"“If you swim at a lifeguarded beach, your chance of drowning is 1 in 17 million ... so that's why we always say swim at a lifeguarded beach. Never snorkel alone,” retired Maui Fire Department Battalion Chief of Ocean Safety Colin Yamamoto told SFGATE."

"“Because there are so many beaches to cover, 'it's impossible to get a lifeguard on every beach,' he said, making education and rescue equipment critical.”"

"“From Wailea Beach and Makena Landing to Maluaka Beach, there were 32 visitor deaths due to ocean drownings from 2014 to 2023, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health. From 2009 to 2018, 17 deaths were concentrated between Makena Landing and Makena Beach, and 11 of those were snorkelers, another report said.”"

"“With honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) on the mind, it's easy for visitors to overlook that the beach has no warning signs or lifeguard stands. But I notice their absence. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for visitors, and snorkeling is a leading cause of those ocean drownings.”"

Read at SFGATE