15 May 2018

Ocean safety pilot in American Samoa

5:40 am on 15 May 2018
Leone lanterns, American Samoa

Leone lanterns, American Samoa Photo: RNZI correspondent

An ocean rescue station has been established in Leone village in American Samoa to improve water safety and prevent drownings.

An advocate from the United States, Chase Bruckner, is working with the Leone Village Council to teach residents about ocean safety and being good stewards of the sea.

Mr Bruckner said the station had been established with help from a grant from the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.

He described it as another tool to protect people in the ocean.

"When someone you love is in the water in trouble and people go in too often they become the tragic second victim. So we're excited to pilot this station in Leone that's never been installed anywhere before that will help protect people in and around the water."

Chase Bruckner said water safety devices and swimming education were increasingly important as more people were drawn towards ocean conservation and evaluating reef health in the area.