tourist dies in hawaii

Snorkeler drowns off Kauai beach, third death this month

A woman from California died after being pulled from the waters at a popular Kauai beach, making it the third water-related tourist fatality in Hawaii this month.

Officials identified the woman, 77, as Judith Bailey. She was rescued from the beach’s lagoon area during the late morning of June 19 when personnel from the Ocean Safety Bureau “spotted a snorkeler in distress,” according to a preliminary report from the Kauai Fire Department.

Bailey was conscious and alert when first responders arrived at the scene, the Kauai Police Department said. She was transported to the Wilcox Medical Center, where she later passed. 

Autopsy results are still pending, according to officials. 

“We are saddened to report this death of another visitor,” Kaua’i Police Investigative Services Bureau Acting Capt. Kennison Nagahisa said in a statement. “We remind the public to be aware of your surroundings and your abilities in the water.”

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Just days earlier, a 37-year-old Californian named Lucas Ivor on vacation on Kauai died when swimming near Tunnels Beach in Haena at around 5 p.m., according to the Kauai Police Department.  

A California newlywed couple drowned on June 1, at a popular snorkeling beach in Oahu.

More: Hawaii sees riskier beachgoers: How to safely enjoy the ocean on the islands

Is snorkeling in Hawaii dangerous?

Snorkelers have accounted for the majority of ocean-related drownings in the state over the past decade, according to John Titchen, Chief of Ocean Safety for Honolulu, followed by swimming and then free diving.

Of those snorkel-related drownings, over half are non-residents. 

“The primary reason we see from an Ocean Safety first responder perspective, visitors can’t really swim, they don't swim really well,” he said. “Now you’re adding a mask and tube to your face.” These visitors tend to not be in the best cardiovascular shape but see snorkeling as a must-do activity. 

Many travelers are unfamiliar with the ocean’s power, which can depend on changing tides, wind and currents. The same beach can look vastly different the very next day. 

“Some of the best snorkeling on Oahu is very close to shore and very heavily trafficked areas,” he said. “To the untrained eye there’s not a lot of energy going on but there’s a ton of energy even on a flat day.”

With people checking out the marine life underwater, they can often lose track of where they are.

More visitors are also venturing off the beaten path to beaches where there’s no lifeguard presence, Titchen said. Even some popular snorkeling spots like Shark’s Cove and Electric Beach on Oahu don’t have a lifeguard stationed there, however mobile responders are on duty.  

The Hawaii Department of Health established the Snorkel Safety Sub-Committee in 2017 to address the public concern about the high number of fatal snorkeling incidents. The sub-committee found that the snorkel’s breathing tube’s airflow resistance and increased exertion cause shortness of breath and distress, which can lead to drowning. 

Snorkeling safety tips

• Whatever you do, don’t panic. “Don’t go against (the ocean), don’t resist it,” Titchen said. If you notice you’ve been pulled out farther from shore, take off your snorkel mask and do your best to just stay afloat and flag someone’s attention. “Make sure you’re comfortable to tread water and wait for help.” 
• Take a moment to watch the ocean before entering and leaving. “Take some time to study the water and how to get out,” Titchen said. Snorkelers often get in the water at one point and don’t realize that the tide came up so they can’t exit the same way. 
• Snorkel with a buddy so you can check in on each other. 
• Lift your head out of the water to check your location while you’re snorkeling so you know if you’re drifting out. 
• When in doubt, don’t go out is a good rule to follow, but Titchen said to always feel free to talk to a lifeguard about conditions and recommendations. “Talk to a lifeguard, that’s why we’re there.”

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]