Study: Shark-cage dive tours safe

Study: Shark-cage dive tours safe

HONOLULU — A scientific study has concluded that shark-cage dive tours on Oahu’s North Shore pose little risk for recreational ocean users in nearshore waters.

The Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology conducted the two-year study. It found that sharks tagged during tours overwhelmingly stay far out to sea and don’t follow tour boats back to shore.

The study also found that the tours are frequented by Galapagos and sandbar sharks, which are rarely involved in attacks on humans.

Marine scientist Carl Meyer said at an informational briefing at the state Capitol that when it comes to offshore caged shark-diving tours, there is no evidence of any risk to nearshore recreational users.

The tours have been operating since 2001.

Take a class at a bed-and-breakfast

NEW YORK — Here’s a unique way to jump-start a new career or hobby: Take a class while staying at a bed-and-breakfast.

Many B&Bs and inns offer introductory courses and private or group sessions.

At Cedar Gables Inn in Napa, Calif., you can cook alongside a master chef. The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic, Conn., offers a package called “The Artist ‘Inn’ You” that includes a two-night stay, a private art class, dinner for two at a local restaurant and a matted scenic print of the inn. Cranberry Manor Bed and Breakfast in Sandwich, Mass., offers a “Restorative Yoga Weekend” special where a registered and certified yoga instructor will lead a 75-minute session in one of four types of yoga.

To see what other classes are offered at bed-and-breakfasts around the country, go to www.bnbfinder.com and look on the “Specials” page.

Social networking to promote attractions

ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Economic Development is using online social networking to promote the state’s tourist attractions.

The department’s tourism division has launched an “Explore Georgia” fan page on the popular social networking site Facebook. The page is regularly updated and encourages fans to travel to various destinations in the state.

The state has also created a “Georgia Explorers” Facebook group. That’s meant to be an online community for the state’s travel industry to share and discuss ideas, questions, suggestions and industry updates.

The tourism division is also preparing to launch a blog and a YouTube channel.

For more information, visit www.exploregeorgia.org.

Vail Resorts will require helmets for its employees

DENVER — Vail Resorts employees will be required to wear helmets while skiing or snowboarding on the job starting with the 2009-10 season.

Vail also will require helmets for all children age 12 and under who take group lessons through its schools, and helmets will be part of the resort’s children’s rental packages unless parents or guardians sign a waiver.

The policy will be in force at all five of its resorts in Colorado and California.

Helmets will be provided next fall as part of employees’ uniforms.

“We did it as a way to promote safety for employees and guests,” said John Garnsey, co-president of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division. “By making helmets part of the uniform, our employees are setting a very good example to our guests, and especially children.”

Associated Press