Three points to save lives from accidents at sea
When you fall into the sea, wearing a life jacket can be the difference between life and death. In an emergency, it may come off or the buoyancy may not be secured, so make sure that maintenance and inspection are done properly, and remember the correct way to wear it.
Always wear a life jacket when enjoying marine leisure
POINT 01
Make sure you have a means of communication to call for help. Carry your phone in a water resistant or waterproof pack. Also, turn on location information on your smartphone so that you can be notified of your exact location.
POINT 02
Secure a means of communication, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pack
"118" is the emergency telephone number for incidents and accidents that occur at sea (toll-free). NET118 is a service that enables people with hearing or speech disabilities to make an emergency call to the Japan Coast Guard by inputting information using a smartphone or other device.
POINT 03
Use 118 and NET118
About this site
Okinawa has many attractive beaches. In particular, natural beaches without lifeguards may be the best places because they preserve the natural beauty of the landscape, are highly transparent, and have few people. However, those who are trying to play in the sea on such an attractive beach. Since there are no lifeguards on the natural beach, there is no one to help you in case something goes wrong. In addition, there are many invisible risks and dangerous points, such as dangerous currents called rip currents and the appearance of dangerous creatures such as jellyfish.
This site summarizes things to check before playing in the sea and things to know when enjoying marine leisure so that everyone can enjoy the seas of Okinawa safely.
Everyone safe the sea of Okinawa
platform for fun
Explanation video for playing safely in the sea of Okinawa Prefecture
Check out the video to learn about the characteristics of Okinawa's sea and what you need to know to play safely in the sea.
PICK UP 01
A must-see for those who are going to play in the sea from now on!
Beaches without lifeguards run the risk of encountering rip currents and dangerous creatures. Let's use the beaches with lifeguards who have jellyfish nets installed.
Knowledge 02
If you want to enjoy swimming, use the beaches with lifeguards!
Okinawa has many attractive beaches. In particular, natural beaches without lifeguards may be the best places because they preserve the natural beauty of the landscape, are highly transparent, and have few people. However, those who are trying to play in the sea on such an attractive beach. Since there are no lifeguards on the natural beach, there is no one to help you in case something goes wrong. In addition, there are many invisible risks and dangerous points, such as dangerous currents called rip currents and the appearance of dangerous creatures such as jellyfish.
Here, I would like to introduce the rules for everyone to enjoy the seas of Okinawa safely.
If this is your first time visiting the sea in Okinawa, or if you don't usually go into the sea, you can enjoy the natural beach where there are no lifeguards as a beach walk or a photo spot.
Knowledge 01
Don't enter the sea without lifeguards, enjoy the view!
Tips for Safely Enjoying the Sea of Okinawa
In order to enjoy marine leisure safely, we recommend Maruyu operators who fully meet the safety standards. If you can't find a marine leisure operator and you want to do marine leisure on your own at a beach without lifeguards, be sure to check the beach safety information, the weather on the day, and the necessary equipment.
Knowledge 03
When enjoying marine leisure, use a marine leisure operator.
In addition to the weather forecast, you can check all the information useful for playing in the ocean, such as rain cloud radar that shows the movement of rain clouds in real time, wave predictions and tide information.
Image Source: Yahoo! Weather Map
https://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/
Yahoo! weather chart
Information about local wind speed, wind direction, and gusts. Contains detailed information. Data such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, sea temperature and wave height are also displayed.
Image credit: Windy
https://www.windy.com/
Windy
Recommended site
"Umishuru" is an information service provided by the Japan Coast Guard that aggregates various marine information and displays it overlaid on a map. More than 200 types of information are posted in a wide range of fields such as topography/geology, hydrographic conditions, weather, safety, disaster prevention, fisheries, and marine area use/conservation. It is safe to check safety before going out for marine leisure.
Image quote: Umishuru
https://www.msil.go.jp/msil/Htm/TopWindow.html
Marine Situation Display System
A strong current that flows offshore is called a rip current. In particular, Okinawa is surrounded by coral reefs, and "reef currents" that occur at breaks in the coral reefs often wash them offshore. The current is so strong that once you get caught in it, you will be swept offshore before you know it. A rip current is a narrow current with a width of about 10 to 30 m, so if you are swept offshore, stay calm and swim parallel to the coast to escape from the rip current.
① Rip current
There are creatures in the sea that are poisonous and dangerous to humans. Especially in the seas of Okinawa, the highly poisonous habu jellyfish inhabit, and from around the beginning of June each year, they grow rapidly to a size that can affect the human body. In the summer, more and more people are swimming in the sea and doing marine leisure activities, so there are many bites. At managed beaches, nets are installed in swimming areas to prevent dangerous creatures such as jellyfish and sharks from entering. Natural beaches have a higher chance of encountering dangerous creatures.
② Dangerous creatures
The natural beach does not have a designated swimming area, so there is a risk of contact with other marine activities such as jet skis while swimming.
③ Contact with other marine activities
Maruyu operator
In order to play safely in the sea, it is important to choose a company that conducts proper safety management. "Maruyu Operators" is a system in which the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission designates marine leisure operators that have been recognized as meeting safety standards. Choose a company with this designation.
｜What is Maruyu Business?
Maruyu businesses include businesses in the beach, snorkeling, pleasure boat, diving (scuba diving) and marina businesses. The official name is "Maruyu Provider of Marine Leisure with Excellent Safety Measures." must be serviced. Items such as reporting systems to the police in the event of an accident, developing communication means for emergency contact, and improving the knowledge and skills of guides and water rescuers who work on site are "safety measures" in all industries. included in the item. In addition, safety measures include:
｜What are the safety standards that Maruyu businesses meet?
｜Businesses included in Maruyu businesses
Signboards indicating the area of the beach, flags, buoys, and signposts indicating areas where it is safe to swim are installed. Deployment of lifebuoys and lifesaving ropes, lifeboats, deployment of lifeguards and water rescuers, etc.
Beach
Placement of qualified snorkeling guides, inspection of snorkeling equipment, prohibition of snorkeling to those who may not be able to snorkel safely, prohibition of snorkeling in places where there is a risk of danger, preparation and preservation of a list of snorkelers Such.
Snorkeling industry
Safety measures such as measures to be taken when navigation is deemed to be dangerous, measures to be taken against persons recognized to be dangerous to navigation, deployment of water rescuers, lifebuoys, ropes, and lifeboats. We also provide information on wind waves, tidal currents, etc., and information on planned navigation areas necessary for safe navigation.
Pleasure boat provider
Placement of guide divers with qualification requirements, inspection of diving equipment, preparation and preservation of a list of divers, prohibition of diving for those who may not be able to dive safely, prohibition of diving in places where there is a risk of danger Such.
Diving business (scuba diving)
｜wave
Check the height of the waves (coastal waves) and tides (tidal ebb and flow, times of high and low tides), etc.
｜weather/temperature
Check the weather, temperature, chance of precipitation, and more. If a typhoon is approaching, check the location information of the typhoon.
｜Wind
Check the wind direction, wind strength (wind speed), and whether there is a danger of gusts blowing.
01 Check the latest information, weather and sea conditions of the beach you are visiting
To play in the sea safely
If you plan to swim at a beach, check the latest information on beaches that are open to the public on the municipality's website in advance. Please note that swimming may be prohibited depending on the weather and sea conditions.
02 Be aware of the dangers of unmanaged beaches
Many water accidents occur every year on unmanaged natural beaches. At natural beaches, there are many accidents involving rip currents. Also, if you come to a natural beach alone and have an accident while swimming or snorkeling, there are no lifesavers or lifeguards, so you may not be able to rescue or find it too late. Natural beaches have the following dangers:
03 If you play on unmanaged beaches, use safe operators
In the sea of Okinawa, you can enjoy various marine activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and SUP. When doing marine activities, be sure to use a reliable company that has strict safety measures.
To play in the sea safely
To play in the sea safely
04 Know where you are when playing in the ocean
When playing in the ocean, make sure you know exactly where you are. It is safe to use the location information of your smartphone so that in the event of an accident, you can accurately contact the location.
In order to enjoy the beach safely, it is important to gather information in advance. Which place is suitable depends on what kind of play you want to do. Also, if you want to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, and surfing, it is important not only to rent equipment, but also to choose a company that teaches you how to play safely.
Things to check before playing in the sea
To play in the sea safely
marine leisure
How to enjoy safely
Accidents such as shipwrecks have occurred due to severe weather due to insufficient confirmation of weather and sea information, and lack of basic skills. A canoe that moves over the sea also needs to secure a means of communication just in case. Also, be sure to wear a life jacket.
knowledge of canoeing
In SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board), distress has occurred due to insufficient collection of weather and sea information and lack of skill and experience. It is particularly susceptible to the effects of the wind, and there have been many accidents in which it is swept away by strong winds and cannot be returned. Be sure to wear a life jacket.
Knowledge of SUP
In order to enjoy the beach safely, it is important to gather information in advance. Which place is suitable depends on what kind of play you want to do. Also, if you want to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, and surfing, it is important not only to rent equipment, but also to choose a company that teaches you how to play safely.
What to do if you see a drowning person
1. Seek help from lifeguards, lifeguards, and other people around you.
2. Call your emergency contact to request help.
· Call 118 (Japan Coast Guard), 110 (police), 119 (fire department)
No matter which one you contact, information about the accident will be shared and you will be cooperating with each other.
・Communicate the situation
PanicI think that there are many times when you fall into a state, but calm down as much as possible,
❶What kind of accident❷Accident location ❸Number of accident victims ❹Reporter's name and contact information
Let's say .
・Tell the location
Let's turn on the GPS function of the smartphone in order to accurately tell the location.
Going into the water to help a drowning person is dangerous. Accidents where people who try to help drown are common. Ensure your own safety first, then use tools to help. Don't try to help yourself, ask the people around you for help.
If you find a drowning person who is not wearing a life jacket or other buoyancy device, throw in any floatable object to secure buoyancy.
｜Something like this helps
Clothes, towels, plastic bottles, candy bags, sandals, polystyrene foam, and other nearby items in a large plastic bag with the mouth tied, large plastic bottles, soccer balls, cooler boxes, etc.
*In order to make it easier to throw the PET bottle, fill it with water or sand and close the cap.
* Throw in something that can secure buoyancy, aiming at the range where the drowning person can reach out and reach. Be careful not to hit someone who is drowning.
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If you have an AED nearby, keep it readily available in case a drowning person is rescued.
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If you have knowledge of chest compressions and artificial respiration, help with first aid.
It will be useful in an emergency if you take regular lifesaving courses sponsored by the local fire department on a regular basis.
First, ask for help
01
STEP
Your safety comes first
02
STEP
Ensure buoyancy with floats around you
03
STEP
STEP
STEP
STEP
What to do when you are in danger
｜When you feel such trouble or anxiety, let's give "help signal" immediately.
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swept away by the reef current
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Water falls from breakwaters, etc. and cannot return to land
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Feet fished
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Uncontrollable shivering when feeling cold
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Stung by an organism such as a jellyfish
"Help sign"
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If you can float and you can touch your legs, swing your hand wide.
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If you're wearing a life jacket, blow the included whistle.
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If you are not wearing a life jacket and you can barely float, you may sink if you wave your hand too much. Stay afloat and wait for rescue.
｜How to wear a life jacket correctly
Pass both arms through the life jacket and tighten the front zipper.
Tighten the left and right side adjusters and adjust to fit your body.
Pass the inseam belt through, adjust the length with the adjuster, and fasten securely.
* If a child wears it, please be sure to let the guardian wear it.
* Please choose life jackets with crotch straps for children to wear.
STEP 01
STEP 02
STEP 03
｜Floating example
Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with air. Easier to breathe when you lift your chin and look up
Hands below the water surface
POINT 02
POINT 03
spread the limbs out
POINT 04
Keep your shoes on.
Light shoes serve as flotation devices
POINT 01
* When rescue is necessary, do not act alone. Stay close to your buddy and friends.
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Always wear a life jacket when entering the sea to enjoy marine activities.
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Be sure to wear a life jacket that fits properly and fastens it with a belt so that it will not come off in the water.
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If you're not wearing a life jacket, don't swim, just stay afloat. Floating allows you to breathe, calm down and make it easier to check your surroundings, which leads to your next action.
Notify others with the "help sign"
01
STEP
Survive with Self-Rescue
02
STEP
01
STEP
STEP
In case
When playing in the sea, it is important to act with safety first. If the weather suddenly changes, the waves get high, or a swell appears, stop immediately and move to a safe place. If you see someone drowning or in distress at sea, contact them immediately. Let's know the "three points to protect lives from accidents at sea" introduced here.
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