LIHU'E – Advocates of beach safety awareness have come up with another tool designed to reduce the number of drownings on Kaua'i.

The idea of inserting a bookmark with ocean safety tips in visitor guidebooks was raised by Kaua'i Fire Chief Robert Westerman several months ago and recently the Kaua'i Water Safety Task Force (KWSTF) coordinated the printing of the bookmarks.

"It's another way to get the word out especially to visitors about the need to be careful when enjoying our beautiful beaches," said Westerman.

Dr. Monty Downs, a member of the Kaua'i Water Safety Task Force, said he sent a letter to the publishers of "The Ultimate Kaua'i Guide" asking if they would insert the bookmarks in their guidebooks before the books are shipped to retailers.

"We presented it to them as an opportunity for yet one more little tweak that might make an important difference in one of their readers' lives and are hoping for a favorable response," Downs said.

He noted that visitors often purchase guidebooks months before their trip to Kaua'i.

"When they arrive here many of the pages in their book are already dog-eared of things they want to do," Downs said. "So it would be most effective to have the bookmarks inserted in the guidebooks before they leave the printers."