OKINAWA, Japan -- As summer approaches, more and more people are getting outdoors to enjoy water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving and so much more that abound on Okinawa.

But, it’s not all fun and games here. Okinawa’s surrounding waters can be deadly for those who do not take proper precautions, says a Marine Corps Base Camp Butler safety expert.

Since 2000, 22 status of forces agreement personnel have drowned in Okinawa’s waters, 19 of them male, according to Shawn M. Curtis, MCB Camp Butler Installation Safety Office deputy safety director.

By April 9 of this year, there were 16 water-related incidents involving locals, visitors or U.S. military, 14 resulting in drowning deaths, according to the Okinawa Prefectural Police.

The true meaning of these statistics hit home for the U.S. military community Saturday when a Kadena Air Base officer drowned.

Saturday was a bright sunny day but a little windy. Sea conditions for most of the day were listed as East West Caution.

A group of airmen were snorkeling at Cape Hedo Misaki when one went missing, according to a Kadena Air Base release. The Japan Coast Guard and several Kadena rescue units searched for the missing airman but his body wasn’t found until Sunday morning.

Two Marines surfing off Miyagi Island, part off the Ikei island chain, also ran into trouble Saturday. The two had been swept out to sea by high waves and strong currents but were eventually rescued.

On Okinawa, people always have to be aware of local hazards when in the water, Curtis said. The military’s predominately-younger male population especially has to be mindful as they have a tendency to take greater risks, he added.

One statistic that might surprise people is that 80 percent of those who drown are male, and one of the most vulnerable age groups is adolescents and young adults, Curtis said.

“This is a critical stage in their life when they tend to overestimate their abilities and are most susceptible to peer pressure,” he said.

Curtis has several best practices he preaches to those getting into Okinawa’s waters.

First, learn to swim, Curtis said. Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Marine Corps Community Services and 18th Services Squadron all offer swim classes, and Marines also have the option of learning from their units’ Marine Combat Instructors of Water Survival, he said.

Before entering the water, always get the most updated weather forecast and sea condition by going to http.kadenaforcesupport.com/weather.html and clicking on the current sea conditions link, Curtis said. If the conditions advise staying out of the water, then adhere to the warning, he added.

“Follow the 10 second rule,” he advised. “If it takes you more than 10 seconds to decide whether or not to get in the water, then don’t get in.”

When people do enter the water, always use the buddy system even if the area is patrolled by lifeguards, Curtis said.

“It’s best to swim in areas supervised by lifeguards, as they can provide immediate response to emergencies, and they’re trained to perform rescues,” he added.

Marine Corps Bases Japan/III Marine Expeditionary Force Order 1050.7 requires SOFA personnel wear the proper protective equipment for specific water activities. The order also lists the necessary equipment for various water activities.

Snorkelers and free divers entering the water at locations not supervised by lifeguards, at a minimum, shall wear an appropriately sized personal floatation device such as a snorkeling vest.

All personnel participating in water related recreational activities shall utilize the buddy system.

Novice swimmers should use U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices that fit properly, Curtis said. Water equipment should also be inspected before, during and after each use to ensure it is still in proper working condition, Curtis said. Equipment such as scuba diving gear should be inspected by certified technicians such as those available at Tsunami SCUBA, he added.

The use of alcohol while mixed with recreational water activities can be deadly, Curtis also warned. 

Alcohol’s side effects slow down the body’s reaction time and make dangerous situations look less threatening, Curtis said. Moreover, effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat, and victims frequently misjudge weather, water conditions, and abilities, he added.

Curtis also advises people to let others know where they are going and when they plan to return.

“This way, if you don’t return when you say you will, it gives people a good starting point to initiate rescue efforts,” he said.

Curtis also tells people to always have a communication devise such as a cell phone with them so they can call Camp Foster Provost Marshal's Office's 911 in any emergency.  Foster's PMO will then direct emergency response efforts. From a cell phone to make a 911 call, dial 098-911-1911.

“Water safety is a community effort,” Curtis explained.

“Don’t succumb to the demands of others to engage in water activities which exceed your skill level,” he said.
Also, sponsors should educate new arrivals about the water hazards here, Curtis said.

“If you hear someone talking about participating in a high-risk activity here, have the personal fortitude to talk to them about it,” he said.

Sea condition definition

SC-Caution (C)- Conditions which may damage property or cause minor injury Issued after 18-knot winds, including gusts, have been observed for six hours or otherwise adverse sea conditions have been reported. Exercise caution if entering water. Only personnel who can accurately assess local conditions should enter the water.

SC-Warning (W)- Conditions which may be life threatening. Issued after 25 knot winds, including gusts, have been observed for at least three hours or otherwise dangerous sea conditions have been observed and reported Exercise extreme caution if entering the water. The only personnel who should enter the water are those who can accurately assess local conditions, have extensive experience in water activity, have a need to enter the water or if their water activity warrants the action.

SC-Red (R)- Conditions which are deemed to be life threatening and will cause damage to property or cause life-threatening injury. Issued after 34-knot winds, including gusts, have been observed on Okinawa and are to persist for at least three hours or during Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness Caution, island-wide. No entry into the water. Appropriate military recreational facilities close or will not issue rentals, refill tanks or continue water-related classes or activities.

Sector Location
Wind Direction
Affecting Sector

West (W)- East China Sea shoreline, Hedo Point (northern tip) west down to Cape Kiyan (southern tip) North, Northwest, West and Southwest

East (E)- Pacific Ocean shoreline, Hedo Point (northern tip) east down to Cape Kiyan (southern tip) Northeast, East, South and Southeast

This information courtesy of
http//kadenaforcesupport.com/weather.html

SEVEN most DANGEROUS
local water spots

Some areas have been the site of more of the U.S. military’s fatalities and near misses. Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Installation Safety lists the seven most dangerous spots as:

Camp Zampa Misaki, also known as Bolo Point, is just west of Torii Station.
Madea Point is near Onna Village.
Miyagi Island is part of the Ikei Island chain. The popular Big Time Resort is here.
Hedo Misaki, also called Hedo Point or Cape Hedo, is at the island's northern tip.
Onna Point is in Onna Village.
Hiji Falls is near Okuma Military Resort.
Ikea Island Bridge is near White Beach Naval Facility.

Signs cautioning status of forces agreement personnel to be cautious are posted at all these locations except for Hiji Falls where signs prohibit SOFA personnel from entering the water.
Source: Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Installation Safety Office