From 2009 to 2017, the most spinal cord injuries have occurred at Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach”, on the Island of Maui TomKli/Shutterstock.com
From 2009 to 2017, the most spinal cord injuries have occurred at Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach”, on the Island of Maui
TomKli/Shutterstock.com

Participating in any ocean activity can be dangerous, and the risk of drowning and spinal cord injury is always present. Here are facts about ocean-related drownings and spinal cord injuries in Hawaii. Remember, both of these types of incidents are preventable; don’t become the next statistic.

HAWAII DROWNING & SPINAL CORD INJURY FACTS Data provided by Injury Prevention and Control System, EMS & Injury Prevention System Branch, Hawaii Department of Health Section Title: Fatal Ocean Drownings in Hawaii – 2008 to 2017 From 2008 to 2017, there were 682 total ocean drownings. There were 84 ocean drownings in 2017, the highest number in the past 10 years. 55% of fatal ocean drowning victims were visitors.
Ocean Drowning Victims in Hawaii – 2008 to 2017. Visitors are 10 times more likely to drown than Hawaii residents. In the past 10 years, there have been 214 drownings for every 100,000 visitors to Hawaii. By comparison, there have been 22 drownings per 100,000 Hawaii residents.
Fatal Ocean Drownings by Island – 2008 to 2017. 76 drownings on Kauai. 305 drownings on Oahu. 105 drownings on Hawaii Island. 178 drownings in Maui County (includes Molokai and Lanai).
Ocean Activities and Fatal Drownings in Hawaii – 2008 to 2017. 183 drownings occurred during snorkeling, the highest of any ocean activity. 93% of these drowning victims were non-Hawaii residents. 147 drownings occurred during swimming. 60% of these drowning victims were non-Hawaii residents. Other activities that have resulted in drownings include 50 while surfing or bodyboarding, 46 while free diving (46), 42 from falling or being swept in, 23 during scuba, and 20 while boating or kayaking.
Spinal Cord Injuries in Hawaii – 2009 to 2017 (Source: Hawaii Trauma Registry). From 2009 to 2017, there were 362 total spinal cord injuries. 81% of spinal cord injuries occurred to non-Hawaii residents. Makena Beach on Maui has the highest number of incidents with 40 injuries, but injuries have occurred at beaches on every major island. The top 10 Beaches where Spinal Cord Injuries have occurred are: Makena Beach on Maui with 40 Spinal cord injuries, Hapuna Beach on Hawaii Island with 32 Spinal cord injuries, Kaanapali Beach on Maui with 20 Spinal cord injuries, Laaloa Beach on Hawaii Island with 20 Spinal cord injuries, Sandy Beach on Oahu with 20 Spinal cord injuries, Brenneke Beach on Kauai with 17 Spinal cord injuries, Wailea Beach on Maui with 13 Spinal cord injuries, Kamaole Beach on Maui with 12 Spinal cord injuries, Waikiki Beach on Honolulu with 12 Spinal cord injuries, and Polo Beach on Maui with 11 Spinal cord injuries. 142 injuries were the result of being tossed by a wave. Other activities that have resulted in spinal cord injuries include 82 while bodyboarding, 68 while bodysurfing, 39 from diving into water and 31 while surfing.
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Drowning-Prevention
Honolulu Ocean Safety Division
Kauai County Ocean Safety
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