As I just read this on board and I quote

"I can't speak for xxxxxxx but I am surprised that someone would consider the ocean "unsafe" and would consider a manmade water park "safer" "

That is a VERY dangerous comment.

There was another drowning this weekend at Ke'e Beach in Kauai. A fit young man of 37 who was snorkeling.

Kealalani, please don't be an alarmist. The conversation was in regards to a certain beach in Florida - not all beaches everywhere including Hawaii. Using broad strokes to paint a picture is what caused that poster to say that she considered all rivers and beaches unsafe. The conversation was to ascertain why she felt water in oceans unsafe and water in water parks safe. My guess is that talk of alligators in freshwater rivers on that thread gave the poster the impression that she would find gators in the ocean. That's why we tried to find out what she was afraid of in the water off Melbourne Beach in Florida - pollution? gators? rip tides? sharks? If she would have identified what she was scared of in the water, perhaps information could have been shared to make her trip more enjoyable.

Thanks for sharing Ag3046. Ke'e Beach is often suggested to travellers as a safe snorkling beach. Even the safest of beaches can be dangerous. That is why sharing ocean safety is so important.

ttt

The ocean safety tips at
http://www.mauisnorkeling.net/oceansafety.html

Include the warning not to swim or snorkel for 45 minutes after eating. That is a very old myth and very incorrect information.

You never ate mamalani's cooking before swimming!!!

Old Myth? I think that swimming after a big meal will certainly make you less apt to stay afloat. Especially in the ocean where you need to be ready for anything. I once surfed after a big burrito and almost died. I'm certain it was the weight of that We Lahaina from Maui Tacos that weighed me down and cut by breath short.

Another good link:

http://oceansafety.soest.hawaii.edu/

That IS a good site. Chip Fletcher and his team have put a lot of work into it.