HILO, Hawaii — The ocean around the Big Island claimed 20 drowning victims last year, the highest toll since 1993.

An average year sees a dozen such deaths, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.

Hawaii Fire Department Capt. John Kapsky says most people drown when they are in rugged, inaccessible regions of the coastline.

He says the unpredictable Wailuku River — another area that isn't guarded — is probably the single biggest danger area on the east side of the island.

Kapsky says people are increasingly going out to isolated areas and getting in trouble.

He says paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis and all other activities take people to inaccessible areas.