Maui Visitors Bureau will produce a safety video early next year aimed at educating visiting tourists about the risks associated with hiking and swimming in the ocean.
A study released by the state health department showed ocean drownings have steadily increased in Maui County in recent years, claiming the lives of 19 people so far this year.
"It’s got to be short, quick and to the point," said Terryl Vencl, executive director of the visitors’ bureau.
"Visitors just need an imprint in their minds that will allow them to take pause and caution when they see something they recognize from the video."
Tourism officials plan to screen the video at airports and in hotel rooms.
In Kauai, a water safety video began screening at Lihue Airport last year.
Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau, said people did not fully appreciate the potential dangers of high-surf warnings, flash floods and standing on rocks close to breaking waves.
"We’ve really stepped up our education a lot," she said.
