Status of Forces Agreement members are encouraged to consider safety as the top priority before setting out for any aquatic fun.

“On average, 32 people (which includes local community members) die from drowning every year on Okinawa,” said Shawn Curtis, deputy safety director with Marine Corps Bases Japan Installation Safety Office. “No other military installation in the world takes the same precautions we do.”

According to Curtis, inclement weather and currents, resulting from Okinawa’s unique island formation, are the largest contributing factors in water-related mishaps.

“In the U.S., the leading cause of death among service members are privately owned motor vehicle accidents,” said Curtis. “Out here it’s water-related incidents.”

Okinawa’s rugged underwater terrain creates rip currents that are known for carrying swimmers far from shallow water.

“A strong rip current pushes water at approximately five miles per hour,” said Curtis. “It’s equivalent to the speed of an Olympic swimmer during a sprint competition in a pool.”

Rip currents are created after waves crash on a sandbar or reef. When the water from the waves returns to sea, the underwater obstruction causes the water to bottleneck and flow faster.

People on the lookout for a rip current can spot them from an elevated position. A rip current looks like a long strip of murky water because of the sand being kicked up by the flowing water.

Swimmers caught in a rip current are advised not to panic and to let the current carry them out until it dissipates, then swim at a right angle away from the current and back towards shore.

No matter how cautious people are, the unpredictable nature of Okinawa’s weather systems can turn an enjoyable day of summer fun into a potential disaster.

Sea conditions on Okinawa can change in a matter of hours due to the surrounding waters, said Ryan Stahl, a retail manager with Tsunami Scuba on Camp Foster.

“Because Okinawa is an island, there is nothing to block the winds coming from the ocean,” said Stahl. “It’s not uncommon for the sea conditions to change from all clear in the morning to caution or danger in the afternoon.”

Safety personnel on-island use a variety of communication media to keep service members informed about the current sea conditions.

“Current sea conditions are broadcasted regularly on the television and radio to keep people informed,” said Air Force Capt. Kyle Paslay, commanding officer of 18th Operations Support Squadron based out of Kadena Air Base. “Even if you know the current sea conditions, it’s always good to make an informed judgment call before stepping into the water.”

Whether caught in a rip current or a sudden storm, the best way to prevent a casualty at sea this summer is to avoid risky behavior and think ahead.

“Before stepping into the water to go snorkeling or scuba diving, scout out your exit route,” said Stahl. “Plan a secondary route in case the weather turns bad before you finish.”

The opportunity to enjoy a summer on Okinawa is a rare treat for service members, but they should be mindful of safety, said Curtis.