HAWAI'I KAI — Hawai'i is a leader when it comes to ocean safety and prevention, which is why the state and city wanted to show off Honolulu lifeguards at Hanauma Bay for the head of the Centers for Disease Control's injury prevention division.

With more than 1,500 rescues statewide last year and 68 ocean deaths, county lifeguards see a lot of activity, especially at the bay where anywhere from 500 to 2,000 people a day come to snorkel. In 2002, there were 10 near-shore drownings at Hanauma Bay — a record that prompted city officials to increase the number of lifeguards and add ocean safety warnings to the video shown at the visitor center.

"They all come to the water, and the bay is unique," lifeguard Capt. Kevin Allen said Friday. "There are a lot of hazards. As much as it is beautiful, it's very dangerous."

Ileana Arias, director of the National Center for Injury Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, in town for a conference, was treated to a ride on city lifeguard watercraft and witnessed rescue techniques Friday.

"Hawai'i has been at the forefront in water safety with rescues and prevention," Arias said. "Lifeguards here are a model for others in terms of rescues and prevention. Hawai'i sets the standards for the rest of the country." Hawai'i also sets an example in rating its beaches, listing hazards and posting them on the Web, Arias said.

"These guys work hard every day," said Dr. Libby Char, city director of Emergency Medical Services. "It's nice to be able to let others see what we're doing."

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.