Wing commander implements water safety measures

  • Published
  • By 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  From 2000-2009, there were a total of 34 water-related mishaps on Okinawa involving SOFA-status personnel that resulted in a fatality or required a rescue. This includes 21 fatalities primarily from snorkeling, scuba diving, cliff diving, and wave watching. Each one of these mishaps were preventable by using proper Personal Risk Management and/or wearing the proper personal protective equipment.

It is imperative base personnel keep safety in mind before participating in any water-related activity because the sea conditions around Okinawa can be extremely dangerous and change very rapidly.

In an effort to protect Airmen and their families, the 18th Wing commander instituted the following policies - effective April 13, 2010 - for all active duty Air Force members assigned here. Family members and civilian employees are also encouraged to abide by the policy.
  1. Before participating in any water-related activity, personnel will check the official Okinawa sea conditions set by the Kadena weather flight (see explanation below).
  2. No personnel will engage in any water-related activities, including, but not limited to swimming, surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, etc. during SEA CONDITION RED or when local conditions result in the closure of a beach/coastal area.
  3. During SEA CONDITION WARNING, personnel will assess the sea conditions and wear the appropriate PPE at all time.
  4. Swimmers will use the buddy-system when swimming in areas without lifeguards.
  5. Personnel will not participate in cliff/bridge jumping or diving.
  6. Scuba divers shall be certified, wear the appropriate PPE and stay within required guidelines of Kadena ABI 34-101.
  7. Snorkelers entering the water at locations without lifeguards will wear appropriately sized personal floatation device and buddy system.
  8. Surfers/body boarders will attach a leash from the user to the board.
  9. Personal Water Craft operators and occupants will wear approved PFD (e.g. life vest) at all times. Operator must have a tethered kill switch/cord.
  10. Personnel in sea kayaks will wear a PFD at all times.

Sea conditions defined
Below are the definitions for the sea conditions (posted in the lower left corner of Armed Forces Network television channels and Mediatti's Channel 17 daily). Current sea conditions are also posted on the Kadena weather flight's homepage at: http://kadenaforcesupport.com/weather.html and customers can get current condition by phone at 634-4081, option 1.
  • 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.

Coastal Locations defined
  • 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

Most DANGEROUS 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.
  • Maeda 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.
  • Ikei Island Bridge is near White Beach Naval Facility.
Warning signs for SOFA personnel are posted at all above locations except for Hiji Falls where signs strictly prohibit SOFA personnel from entering the water.