An average of 56 people drown in Hawai'i each year, said Galanis, of the Injury Prevention and Control Program for the state Department of Health. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for Hawai'i children age 17 and younger.

He said that city Emergency Medical Service data showed that drownings and near-drownings were more likely to occur on weekends (38 percent); to men and boys (69 percent); in the ocean (79 percent); and during the summer (32 percent).

Hawai'i has one of the higher drowning rates — fifth-highest in the country, he said.

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The state's top five beaches and beach areas with the most drownings from 1993 to 2003:

Waikiki - 30, Hanauma - 22, Makapu`u - 11, Ala Moana - 15, Kealakekua Bay - 9.

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Rate of rescues per 100,000 swimmers and surfers on lifeguarded beaches on O`ahu from 1993 to 2003:

Makapu`u - 109, Sandy - 102, Waimea - 61, Hanauma - 59, Keauwaula - 52, Nanakuli - 35, `Ehukai - 32....