Deep Dive Into Water Safety

Kauaʻi Community Radio - KKCR
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Deep Dive Into Water Safety is a podcast dedicated to to one powerful truth: Drowning is preventable. Hosted by Kauaʻi waterperson Margaret Wright, the show features conversations with experts and community leaders from around the world who are working to save lives in and around the water. Together, we explore practical strategies to prevent drownings, educate swimmers, keiki, and parents, and create clear, culturally grounded messaging that makes a difference. Deep Dive is guided by Hawaiʻiʻs first statewide Water Safety Plan, a plan built on the realities that Hawaiʻi has the second highest drowning rate in the United States and that we can do better. Deep Dive Into Water Safety is produced on Kauaʻi by Kauaʻi Community Radio - KKCR, Kauaʻiʻs independent, non-commercial, listener-supported community radio station. kkcr.org.

  1. 6 HR AGO

    Deep Dive: An Interview with Dr Hanna Van Waart

    Episode Notes Research, CPSC Warning, and Manufacturer Responsibility Hanna Van Waart PhD  Exercise Physiologist at the University of Aukland discussed full face mask safety, her research and manufacturer’s responsibility The research article, “Full-face snorkel masks increase the incidence of hypoxemia and hypercapnia during simulated snorkeling compared to conventional snorkels,” was published in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine in December 2023. The study was led by Janneke Grundemann, with coauthors Xavier C.E. Vrijdag, Nicole Y.E. Wong, Nicholas Gant, Simon J. Mitchell, and Hanna van Waart. Hanna van Waart is affiliated with the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Auckland. The research team examined whether full-face snorkel masks increase the risk of rebreathing, elevated carbon dioxide, and reduced oxygen levels compared with a conventional snorkel. In the controlled study, 20 healthy participants used two different full-face snorkel masks and a conventional snorkel under seated, light-exercise, and moderate-exercise conditions. The researchers found that full-face snorkel mask trials were stopped more often because end-tidal carbon dioxide exceeded the safety threshold. During light exercise, 18 of 40 full-face mask trials were stopped compared with 4 of 20 conventional snorkel trials. During moderate exercise, 9 of 22 full-face mask trials were stopped compared with 3 of 16 conventional snorkel trials.  The main concern identified by the study is rebreathing caused by non-unidirectional airflow. Full-face snorkel masks are designed to separate inhaled and exhaled air, but the researchers found evidence that this separation was not consistently maintained. Carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the eye pockets of the masks fluctuated in a way that showed rebreathing in all full-face mask wearers. This means users may rebreathe exhaled air, leading to hypercapnia, which is elevated carbon dioxide, and hypoxemia, which is reduced oxygen in the blood. Traditional snorkels also carry some risk of carbon dioxide buildup, but they allow users to clear the snorkel tube, remove the mouthpiece, or take fresh breaths more easily. Full-face snorkel masks can be harder to remove and may delay access to fresh air, especially if a person is tired, panicked, or already experiencing symptoms from rising carbon dioxide. Because concerning findings occurred in healthy adults, the risk may be greater for children, older adults, and people with underlying heart or lung conditions. There are also fitting issue. Not everyone has the same face, and smaller faces may have worse fit and there is also the factor of individual lung capacity. These research concerns are reinforced by recent action from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In 2026, the CPSC warned consumers to stop using OUSPT full-face snorkel masks immediately because of the risk of serious injury and death from drowning. The CPSC stated that the mask can cause labored breathing, loss of consciousness, excess fluid in the lungs, and increased carbon dioxide levels that can worsen breathing difficulty. The agency also reported five consumer incidents involving trouble breathing, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness, as well as one lawsuit alleging that the product caused a drowning fatality. Approximately 84,000 OUSPT masks were sold on Amazon between March 2019 and February 2026, and consumers were advised to stop using and dispose of the masks rather than sell or give them away. Taken together, the Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine study and the CPSC warning support a stronger safety message: full-face snorkel masks should not be treated simply as recreational toys. They function as breathing apparatuses because they control how a person inhales and exhales while face-down in the water. For that reason, manufacturers should carry the responsibility to prove these products are safe through rigorous design testing, independent evaluation, and appropriate regulatory standards before they are marketed broadly to residents, visitors, families, and children. The practical safety message is that snorkelers should use simple, well-fitted equipment, snorkel with a buddy, take regular fresh-air breaks, and avoid full-face snorkel masks, especially for children, older adults, and people with medical risk factors. References: Grundemann J, Vrijdag XCE, Wong NYE, Gant N, Mitchell SJ, van Waart H. Full-face snorkel masks increase the incidence of hypoxemia and hypercapnia during simulated snorkeling compared to conventional snorkels. Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. 2023;53(4):313-320. doi:10.28920/dhm53.4.313-320. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using OUSPT Full-Face Snorkel Masks Immediately Due to Risk of Serious Injury and Death from Drowning Hazard. 2026. ** Support Deep Dive Into Water Safety by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/deep-dive-into-water-safety

    54 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Deep Dive: An Interview with Alissa Magrum, 2026

    Episode Notes April 8, 2026 This episode of Deep Dive into Water Safety explores a critical truth: drowning is not random, rare, or inevitable; it is a preventable public health crisis. Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, will unpack why drowning continues to impact communities worldwide despite being largely preventable. Alissa shares her deeply personal journey into drowning prevention and highlights the urgent need to treat water safety as an essential life skill, just like wearing seatbelts or bike helmets. The conversation dives into the concept of “water competency,” emphasizing that safety goes beyond swimming skills to include awareness, environment, and decision-making across all ages and water settings. They also discuss the challenges of messaging, funding, and policy, and why collaboration locally and globally is key to driving change. From innovative community efforts like life jacket loaner stations and experiential learning, to national strategies and global partnerships, this episode highlights the growing momentum in drowning prevention. The takeaway is clear: water safety is everyone’s responsibility. With better education, stronger messaging, and collective action, we can save lives and shift the culture around water safety for future generations. ** Support Deep Dive Into Water Safety by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/deep-dive-into-water-safety

    1hr 20min

  3. 15 MAY

    Deep Dive: An Interview with Drasko Bogdanovic and Dr. Justin Sempsrott

    Episode Notes Inside the Roundup: Drasko Bogdanovic and Dr. Justin Sempsrott on the Critical Minutes That Save Lives — “Micro Delays Matter” This episode of Deep Dive Into Water Safety focused on what happens in the first minutes after a drowning rescue and why those moments can determine survival long before someone reaches a hospital. Returning guests Drasko Bogdanovic and Dr. Justin Sempsrott discussed the San Luis Obispo “Roundup,” a large scale rescue training event that brought together more than 250 first responders, including lifeguards, EMS, firefighters, and rescue personnel from Costa Rica, Mexico, and New Zealand. The goal was not classroom learning. It was stress exposure and muscle memory. Responders trained in cold, wind, wet gear, helicopter wash, long carries, radio coordination, and the confusion that follows a real rescue. The training centered around something Dr. Sempsrott often says in drowning response: “micro delays matter.” A major part of the discussion focused on how drowning differs from many other cardiac arrest situations. Dr. Sempsrott explained why oxygenation and ventilations are critical in drowning cases, especially pediatric hypoxic arrests, and why actions taken by lifeguards and bystanders can shape outcomes before EMS even arrives. He also reinforced the importance of CPR for parents and the public that includes both breaths and compressions in drowning emergencies. Hawaiʻi’s drowning standing orders currently list oxygen as the first intervention. The conversation also focused on the role of lifeguards within emergency response systems. Drasko Bogdanovic and Dr. Sempsrott argued that lifeguards routinely perform advanced airway and resuscitation skills in uncontrolled environments, yet are often overlooked in funding, planning, and emergency response discussions. The conversation also turned to larger problems in drowning prevention, including inconsistent data collection, underreporting of nonfatal drownings, and the difficulty of tracking long term outcomes after rescue. Prevention remained a constant theme throughout the episode, including public education, supervision, CPR training, engineering solutions, and stronger coordination between agencies. The episode ended with discussion about how to keep building these programs, including expanding simulation training, strengthening partnerships with organizations including the CDC and the International Drowning Research Alliance (IDRA), and creating lifeguard centered programs that can grow internationally while still addressing local community needs. Drasko Bogdanovic also discussed the Lifeguard Project and the idea of “lifeguards for life,” emphasizing continued collaboration, training, and support for rescuers long after certification.** Support Deep Dive Into Water Safety by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/deep-dive-into-water-safety

    1hr 19min

  4. 11 MAY

    Deep Dive: An Interview with Ralph Goto

    Episode Notes April 26, 2026 From Rescue to Prevention: Ralph Goto on Snorkeling Safety in HawaiʻiUnderstanding the risks behind snorkeling incidents and the future of ocean safety through research, education, and lifeguard leadership This episode explores the evolution of lifeguarding in Hawaiʻi and takes a deep dive into the growing concerns around snorkeling safety. Veteran ocean safety leader Ralph Goto former Chief of the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety Division, longtime lifeguard, and one of the key architects of Hawaiʻi’s modern ocean safety system shares how lifeguarding has transformed from informal “beach boy” roots into a professional, prevention-focused first responder model. His career spans frontline rescue work, department leadership, national recognition, and ongoing involvement in the Hawaiʻi Snorkel Safety Study, giving him a uniquely comprehensive perspective on both operations and prevention. The conversation centers on snorkeling, now identified as one of the leading activities associated with rescues and fatalities among visitors. The Hawaiʻi Snorkel Safety Study is discussed in depth, examining possible contributing factors such as traveler fatigue, underlying cardiac or pulmonary conditions, equipment resistance, and emerging concerns like rapid onset pulmonary edema (ROPE). While investigations have included medical examiner reviews and equipment testing including analysis of over 100 snorkels the findings remain largely descriptive and inconclusive, highlighting the need for more rigorous, data-driven research. The episode also addresses concerns about full-face snorkel masks, emphasizing the need for standards, proper fit, and clearer labeling. The discussion calls for shared responsibility across lifeguards, EMTs, fire responders, and the visitor industry, along with stronger collaboration to improve both prevention and response. Proposed next steps include controlled studies, pilot programs at high-risk locations, and improved incident tracking through systems like Watchtower. Beyond research, the episode highlights the importance of prevention through education and community action. Programs led by Duane DeSoto at Nakamakai and others are helping fill gaps where statewide systems have been slow to act. International research, including work by Mike Tipton, supports the growing push to bring water safety education into schools and everyday decision-making for both residents and visitors. The episode closes with a clear message: drowning prevention in Hawaiʻi and globally requires a coordinated, systems-based approach that combines professional lifeguard services, better data, stronger education, and practical, on-the-ground messaging. For visitors, the guidance is simple but critical: choose guarded beaches, ask questions, and respect the ocean.** Support Deep Dive Into Water Safety by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/deep-dive-into-water-safety

    48 min

  5. 8 MAY

    Deep Dive: An Interview with Mark Haimona

    Episode Notes May 5, 2026 Kia Maanu, Kia Ora! Stay Afloat, Stay Alive ! Mark Haimona is a leading Māori water safety educator and researcher from Aotearoa New Zealand whose work has helped reshape Indigenous drowning-prevention strategies through culturally grounded education and community engagement. His career has focused on moving beyond traditional Western lifeguarding models toward approaches that connect directly with communities, culture, and environment. His work has had strong influence internationally, including in Hawaiʻi, where Native Hawaiian watermen, researchers, and educators have looked to Māori-led models for guidance in developing culturally relevant prevention strategies. Mark’s philosophy and outreach methods helped influence the thinking of Hawaiʻi water safety advocates, including work connected to John “Kalei” Clark and broader Native Hawaiian waterman traditions that emphasize environmental knowledge, ocean awareness, and intergenerational teaching. A central theme of the discussion was that effective drowning prevention must be culturally grounded. Mark emphasized that Westernized, one-size-fits-all approaches often fail to reach Indigenous communities. Instead, successful strategies are developed “by the people, for the people.” Face-to-face engagement kanohi ki te kanohi was highlighted as essential for building trust and delivering meaningful education. Communities respond more strongly when they understand who is delivering the message and the cultural connection behind it. The discussion closely paralleled Native Hawaiian ocean knowledge traditions practiced by generations of Hawaiʻi watermen, where reading currents, weather, waves, reefs, and ocean conditions is considered just as important as swimming ability itself. A key message was that many drownings occur not because people cannot swim, but because they lack awareness, preparation, or connection to the environment around them. Strong parallels were identified between Māori communities and Native Hawaiian communities, particularly in the areas of ocean knowledge, intergenerational teaching, and culturally rooted water safety practices. These lessons can be reinforced in the Hawaiʻi’s 2025 Water Safety Plan and the need to prioritize youth-focused education and community-driven prevention efforts. The conversation reinforced that drowning prevention should be approached as a public health issue requiring collaboration, cultural respect, and continued international exchange between Aotearoa New Zealand and Hawaiʻi. ** Support Deep Dive Into Water Safety by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/deep-dive-into-water-safety

    1hr 25min

  6. 1 MAY

    Deep Dive: An Interview with Dr Morgan and Adrian Mayhew

    Episode Notes Standardization of Practice and Lifeguards should be First Responders and Families should know Pushy Pushy Blowy Blowy Sparky Sparky In this episode, internationally recognized experts Dr. Patrick Morgan Medical Director to His Majesty’s Coastguard. He has been a key contributor to advancing standardized drowning definitions and reporting frameworks, helping align global data and improve prevention strategies. His work spans the full continuum of drowning from prevention and rescue to resuscitation and post-incident care emphasizing a systems-based, data-driven approach. Adrian Mayhew of Surf Life Saving Great Britain brings decades of leadership in emergency response, lifeguard operations, and drowning prevention to the conversation. Together, they outline a systems-based approach that connects prevention, rescue, resuscitation, and post-incident care. He has extensive experience in lifeguard training, operational response, and national program development, helping shape how surf lifesaving is delivered across the UK. His work bridges frontline lifesaving with broader public safety strategy. They discuss the importance of standardizing drowning definitions, using data to better target risk, and aligning global response frameworks. A major highlight is the United Kingdom’s move to embed water safety education into the national school curriculum by 2026, ensuring children develop practical skills and awareness early in life. The episode reinforces the need to recognize ocean lifeguards as first responders, while also expanding capacity through trained community members and coordinated systems. With drowning costing an estimated £450 million annually in the UK, the discussion underscores that prevention is both a public health and economic priority. At its core, the conversation brings complex systems back to simple, lifesaving action reminding families and communities that in an emergency, knowing “Pushy Pushy, Blowy Blowy, Sparky Sparky” CPR and AED use can make the difference between life and death. ** Support Deep Dive Into Water Safety by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/deep-dive-into-water-safety

    1hr 33min

  7. 28 APR

    Deep Dive: A Recap and Interview with Mayor Derek SK Kawakami

    Episode Notes 4.17.26 For the live show, Margaret catches up with outgoing Kauaʻi Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, an avid waterman and surfer, on the collaborations and progress that the Kauaʻi Lifeguard Association has made in the past year. Says Kawakami about the visit that the Okinawan Lifeguards made to Kauaʻi: “The exchange of lifesaving knowledge and culture strengthens our ability to protect everyone enjoying Kaua‘i’s waters. Programs like this build international friendships and make our ocean safety efforts even more effective.” Mayor Kawakami was our first interview for Deep Dive, so to have him back on the show reinforcing messaging as the key to water safety was an honor. Margaret and Anni also chatted about some of the notable interviews in the last year and a bit about what to expect in the year to come. Support Deep Dive Into Water Safety by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/deep-dive-into-water-safety

    54 min

  8. 15 APR

    Deep Dive: An Interview with Allison Schaefers

    Episode Notes Resident not just visitors account for nearly half of ocean drownings in Hawaiʻi, about 49 percent, challenging one of the most common assumptions about who is at risk. Even more sobering: drowning remains the leading cause of death for Hawaiʻi’s children ages 1 to 15. Allison Schaefers, a journalist with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and a key member of the Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition, is helping change that reality. Her work sits at the intersection of public awareness, policy, and prevention treating drowning not as an accident, but as a preventable public health issue. But what makes her voice especially powerful is that it is grounded in lived experience. At the heart of her story is the loss of her daughter in a 2004 drowning. From that unimaginable tragedy came purpose fueling advocacy that contributed to Sharkey’s Law, which will require fencing, signage, and ring buoys at detention ponds beginning in 2027. Schaefers has also played a central role in advancing the 2025 Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan, a coordinated effort to reduce drowning statewide. The plan is designed to be accessible written at a sixth grade reading level and built for real-world use by families, schools, and community leaders. The data behind the plan is clear: Hawaiʻi continues to face high drowning rates, with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities disproportionately impacted. At the same time, research shows that water skill retention among young children especially by second grade is alarmingly low. In response, the coalition is moving forward on multiple fronts: county-wide pond safety surveys, community hotspot stewardship, pilot swim programs through the Department of Education, and a new Department of Health campaign supported by the CDC Foundation. Looking ahead, working groups are forming, and a statewide coalition conference on May 14 will help align efforts across agencies and communities. The conversation also highlighted proven strategies from water competency and loaner life jacket programs to reservoir safety inspections and even tourism-based geofencing while acknowledging critical gaps, including the need for better data on non-fatal drownings. The goal is clear: scale what works, share tools and training, and build a coordinated system of prevention across Hawaiʻi. That work is already gaining recognition. The 2025 Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan has been presented at the Safe Kids Worldwide conference and received national recognition for its approach. This is what prevention looks like when policy, community, and lived experience come together. Support Deep Dive Into Water Safety by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/deep-dive-into-water-safety

    1hr 5min
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About

Deep Dive Into Water Safety is a podcast dedicated to to one powerful truth: Drowning is preventable. Hosted by Kauaʻi waterperson Margaret Wright, the show features conversations with experts and community leaders from around the world who are working to save lives in and around the water. Together, we explore practical strategies to prevent drownings, educate swimmers, keiki, and parents, and create clear, culturally grounded messaging that makes a difference. Deep Dive is guided by Hawaiʻiʻs first statewide Water Safety Plan, a plan built on the realities that Hawaiʻi has the second highest drowning rate in the United States and that we can do better. Deep Dive Into Water Safety is produced on Kauaʻi by Kauaʻi Community Radio - KKCR, Kauaʻiʻs independent, non-commercial, listener-supported community radio station. kkcr.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Kauaʻi Community Radio - KKCR
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026
  • Show Website
    Deep Dive Into Water Safety