MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- With the many water-based recreational activities Japan offers, Station residents must be aware of the dangers that exist before diving in.
For the past three years, the Station has been fortunate enough to proclaim zero deaths from drowning incidents.
"The last time anyone from the Station has died from drowning was 2000," said Patrick Brown, safety program administrator.
There are several preventative measures that can be taken in order to prevent any incidents involving water activities.
"It is important before going anywhere that you check the weather," said Brown. "It is dangerous to go after rain and typhoons. The water is unsafe to swim in because of the water currents. If going swimming, pick a spot where there are lifeguards."
"Sometimes currents are strong enough that they will take you away from the shore. If you're ever caught in that situation, just swim sideways and then swim back instead of against the current. This is the way people get tired and can drown."
The Station Safety Center, in conjunction with Semper Fit, have a control measure in place to prevent any unnecessary accidents.
Gear will not be issued before any bad weather, said Brown. This is for the safety of Station members.
Yoneda advised if going somewhere to take any form of communication possible.
People should bring their cell phones in order to contact the base in case of an emergency said Yoneda.
Do not drink alcohol before going into the water or eat too much, said Chris Yoneda, safety trainer.
Japan's beaches often have signs displaying whether or not the water is safe to swim in.
"The beach may have warning signs out," said Yoneda. "Even though the writing is in Japanese, the signs have pictures indicating what the danger is."
Despite the preventative measures swimmers should also remain cautious about sharks.
"There have been from three to four hammer heads spotted at one time on a beach," said Yoneda. "Ever since the spotting of the sharks, it has been determined that they are moving in closer to the shoreline."
Regardless of sharks and any other dangers, swimming is in no way discouraged to Station residents.
"We just want to make sure that everyone has fun, we're not trying to scare people off. We just ask people to take the right steps and enjoy the beach safely."
Weather information can be found at http://weather.iwz.usmc.mil. In case of an emergency, the Emergency Control Center can be contacted in Japan at 0827217700.