Drowning Is Leading Cause of Nonresident Deaths in Hawaii

A state that presents itself as a world-class tourist destination must do what it can to make visitors safe. The Injury Prevention and Control Section (IPCS) of the Hawaii State Department of Health periodically examines injury statistics and makes recommendations about accident prevention. In its 2012 report, IPCS notes that “a total of 339 nonresidents also died of injuries in Hawaii over the 2007 to 2011 period.” This should raise concerns for anyone in the tourism, recreation and hospitality industries. A further breakdown of the types of injuries that resulted in death gives additional insight into the problem:

• Drowning accounted for 46 percent of the total victims. Eighty-seven percent of the drownings occurred in the ocean.
• Suicide accounted for 8.5 percent of the deaths.
• Motor vehicle accidents and falls each produced seven percent of the victims.
• Poisoning, mostly attributed to drug overdose, accounted for five percent of the fatalities.
• Aircraft crashes produced four percent of the fatalities.

In other statistically relevant factors, 43 percent of the victims were between the ages of 45 and 64, and three-fourths of nonresident victims were male.

Drownings often result when overexertion and/or alcohol and drug consumption combine with a pre-existing physical condition, such as circulatory disease. However, negligence by guides for ocean activities and providers of recreational equipment is often a contributing factor. Those in the tourism and recreation industries should educate themselves about the causes of drowning and learn how to recognize individuals who might be susceptible to injury through overexertion.

Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, Attorneys at Law represents victims of accidents throughout Hawaii, including the families of drowning victims in wrongful death lawsuits. To schedule a free consultation, call 808.524.1433 or contact our Honolulu office online.

By Cronin Fried | Published August 19, 2016 | Posted in Fatal Accidents | Tagged drowning, Hawaii fatalities, nonresident deaths in Hawaii | Comments Off on Drowning Is Leading Cause of Nonresident Deaths in Hawaii