Sea conditions on Okinawa Published Oct. 15, 2014 By A1C Zackary A. Henry 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Part of the beauty of living on Okinawa is the opportunity to explore its many beaches, however, everyone should keep in mind sea conditions can be extremely dangerous and change very rapidly. Even if the weather around you seems clear, the sea condition could still be caution or even danger due to unseen threats such as currents. Incidences involving water-related activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, cliff diving, and wave watching. These types of activities have resulted in the death of 23 Status of Force Agreement-status personnel since the year 2000 on Okinawa. The majority of which could have been prevented by using personal protective equipment and proper risk management. Before participating in any water-related activity, check official Okinawa sea conditions set by the Kadena weather flight, which are found at http://shogunweather.com/seaconditions/. The sea conditions apply to all active duty Air Force members assigned to Kadena Air Base. All family members and civilian employees are encouraged to follow as well. Understanding and respecting the sea conditions that the 18th Operations Support Squadron determines is important for the safety of anyone who wants to take advantage of the beautiful water that surrounds the island. -- During SEA CONDITION ALL CLEAR, conditions are ideal for water related activities. Wind speeds have been reported at less than 18 mph. Locally assessed conditions are suitable for novice water enthusiasts intending to participate in the location's primary water activities. -- During SEA CONDITION CAUTION, hazardous conditions may exist. Exercise caution when entering the water. Wind speeds of 18 mph or greater, including gusts, have been observed for at least three hours. Locally assessed conditions warrant that individuals participating in water activities have extensive experience both in the planned activity and at the location. -- During SEA CONDITION DANGER, life threatening conditions exist. Water entry is prohibited for all activities with some exceptions. For more information on the exceptions please refer to Policy Letter #39 - Water Safety Policy. Wind speeds of 35 mph or greater, including gusts, have been observed and are to persist for at least three hours or during Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 2. Locally assessed conditions are dangerous and warrant restricting access to the water and removal of individuals from the water. -- Swimmers will use the buddy system when swimming in areas without lifeguards. -- Personnel will not participate in cliff jumping, bridge jumping or diving. -- Scuba divers shall be certified and wear the appropriate PPE. -- Snorkelers entering the water at locations without lifeguards will wear an appropriately-sized personal floatation device and use the buddy system. -- Surfers and body boarders will attach a leash from the user to the board. -- Personal water craft operators and occupants will wear approved PFD, such as a life vest, at all times. Operator must have a tethered kill switch/cord. -- Personnel in sea kayaks will wear an approved PFD at all times. Coastal Locations defined: . West (W) - East China Sea shoreline, Hedo Point west down to Cape Kiyan, North, Northwest, West and Southwest . East (E) - Pacific Ocean shoreline, Hedo Point east down to Cape Kiyan, 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: -- Cape Zampa Misaki, also known as Bolo Point, just west of Torii Station. -- Maeda Point, near Onna Village. -- Miyagi Island, part of the Ikei Island chain. The popular Big Time Resort is there. -- Hedo Misaki, also called Hedo Point or Cape Hedo, at the island's northern tip. -- Onna Point, in Onna Village. -- Hiji Falls, near Okuma Military Resort. -- Ikei Island Bridge, near White Beach Naval Facility. Warning signs for SOFA-status personnel are posted at all above locations. Please remember to put sea conditions into your risk management cross-check.