To enjoy safe and secure marine leisure in Okinawa's ocean | About Activity Japan's efforts
Blessed with beautiful sea
Okinawa
is a popular spot for marine activities!
Water accidents on the rise
is located.
In this article,
Enjoy the sea with peace of mind
Things you need to know to
Accident prevention efforts, safety points, and how to identify trustworthy businesses
We will introduce you to the following:
table of contents
- 1 The background and reality of the sharp increase in drowning accidents
- 2 Conclusion of "Tripartite Cooperation Agreement" to prevent drowning accidents for tourists
-
3
"9 Safety Points" to Prevent Maritime Accidents
- 3.1 ① Don't push yourself when you're not feeling well
- 3.2 ② Always wear a life jacket
- 3.3 3) Try to act in groups, not alone.
- 3.4 4. Play at a beach with lifeguards
- 3.5 ⑤ Always keep an eye on your children
- 3.6 ⑥ Do not approach or enter any “No Entry” areas.
- 3.7 7. Don't go into the ocean after drinking alcohol
- 3.8 8. Stay away from the sea when the waves are rough
- 3.9 9. Beware of dangerous creatures in the sea
- 4 Maruyu Business (Safety-friendly marine leisure provider)
- 5 Things you need to know to enjoy marine leisure activities
- 6 Okinawa: Other ways to enjoy marine activities and recommended spots
- 7 Enjoy Okinawa's ocean safely and securely
The background and reality of the sharp increase in drowning accidents
Okinawa's beautiful ocean is a popular leisure spot that has been attracting attention from around the world, but with the increase in tourists,
Waterside accidents on the rise
We are doing it.
In 2024
Water accidents involving tourists visiting Japan increased 9.5 times compared to the previous year
, and even if tourists from within Japan are included, the number increased by 40%
There have been reports of water accidents occurring, and immediate measures to prevent water accidents are needed.
The four main causes of drowning accidents are:
- Not wearing a life jacket
- Use of unguarded beaches
- Lack of understanding of warnings in Japanese (tourists visiting Japan)
- Poor safety management by unregistered operators
"Freedom of tourism" and "ensuring safety" should essentially go hand in hand. All parties involved have begun to move in earnest. .
Conclusion of "Tripartite Cooperation Agreement" to prevent drowning accidents for tourists
On July 16, 2025 (Reiwa 7), Activity Japan, KKDAY JAPAN, and Okinawa Prefectural Police Headquarters but Conclusion of a tripartite partnership agreement I did.
The purpose of the cooperation agreement is to promote cooperation between Japan and foreigners, including foreign visitors to Japan.
Preventing drowning accidents and ensuring safety for tourists
is.
The number of reservations for the Okinawa area by foreign visitors to Japan has more than tripled compared to the same period last year
(※)
The number of accidents involving children and young adults in Japan was on the rise, making it urgent to strengthen safety measures.
Based on the above, Activity Japan and KKDAY JAPAN will cooperate with the Okinawa Prefectural Police Headquarters.
Public-private partnership
To improve the safety of tourism experiences in Okinawa,
Informing local businesses about the guidelines and conducting safety awareness activities
I will.
(*According to Activity Japan booking records from January to June 2025)
- Prioritize listing of marine leisure providers with excellent safety measures (Maru-Yu Businesses)
- Deletion of listings of businesses that have not notified the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission
- Promoting multilingual public relations and awareness-raising activities to prevent drowning accidents
"9 Safety Points" to Prevent Maritime Accidents
Leisure at sea
On the one hand, it's fun,
Being careless can lead to fatal accidents
leads to.
By following these 9 points,
Safety for yourself and your friends
Let's protect it.
① Don't push yourself when you're not feeling well
If you are in poor health (fatigue, lack of sleep, hangover, etc.), your judgment and physical strength will be impaired, and you will not be able to respond to dangers at sea. If you are not in good health, the safest thing to do is to rest and not force yourself to play.
② Always wear a life jacket
A life jacket is a safety device to wear if you find it difficult to stay afloat on your own. Always wear it correctly, especially in current-filled waters, when fishing from a boat, or when snorkeling.
3) Try to act in groups, not alone.
If you go into the ocean alone, there will be no one to call for help in the event of an emergency. If there are multiple people, you can check each other's safety, which will greatly improve your ability to respond in the event of an accident.
4. Play at a beach with lifeguards
Beaches with lifeguards and lifeguards on duty have a system in place to detect abnormalities or accidents early. Be sure to choose areas that have signs or designations indicating they are swimming areas.
⑤ Always keep an eye on your children
Even in shallow water, you should never let your guard down! Children in particular can drown quietly without making a sound, so even taking your eyes off them for even a moment can lead to a serious accident. It is important to always keep an eye on them within reach.
⑥ Do not approach or enter any “No Entry” areas.
There is a reason why there are "No Entry" signs. Entry is prohibited in dangerous areas such as rip currents, areas with sudden deep waters, and reefs, so do not ignore the signs and never go near or enter these areas.
7. Don't go into the ocean after drinking alcohol
Alcohol impairs your judgement, reflexes and your ability to regulate your body temperature. Entering the ocean while intoxicated is the same as drinking and driving! It is dangerous, so avoid it.
8. Stay away from the sea when the waves are rough
Sea conditions change constantly depending on the weather and tides. On days when the waves are high, the wind is strong, or the tide is high, it is dangerous even to be on the coast. It is safest to stay away from the sea and stay quietly on land.
9. Beware of dangerous creatures in the sea
The seas of Okinawa are home to many creatures that sting, bite, and are poisonous, such as jellyfish, box jellyfish, rays, sea urchins, and sharks. Take precautions by researching the times they appear and information about dangerous creatures in advance, and wearing swimwear that protects your skin.
Maruyu Business (Safety-friendly marine leisure provider)
The main initiatives of the KKday Group include: Prioritize listing of marine leisure providers with excellent safety measures (Maru-Yu Businesses) Below we will explain the Maruyū system and Maruyū businesses.
What is the Maruyū System and Maruyū Businesses?
There are many marine leisure businesses in Okinawa Prefecture, but anyone can start a business,
Differences in safety initiatives among businesses
can be seen.
"We want to enable users to choose businesses with strong safety measures with peace of mind,
Contributing to improving safety and preventing accidents
The purpose of the Maruyū system is to "encourage employees to do their best."
Businesses that pass the Maruyū system are
Officially certified companies that meet safety standards
" will be displayed. We hope that users will be able to proactively choose activities that have thorough safety measures in place.
Maruyuu operators' products will be more clearly displayed and introduced on OTAs
It has been done.
Conditions for Maruyu (example)
- Qualified personnel (guide divers, water rescuers, etc.) always on hand
- Establishment of an emergency rescue system
- Provision of safety equipment such as life jackets and communication devices
- Formal notification to the Prefectural Public Safety Commission and passing the inspection
List of products eligible for the Maruyu business listed on Activity Japan
Things you need to know to enjoy marine leisure activities
Marine leisure We will introduce points to be aware of for enjoying each activity. Please understand the risks associated with each activity and take appropriate precautions.
Snorkeling
Main risks
- Carried away by rip currents and tides
- Panic (instrument malfunction or accidental ingestion of seawater)
- Delay in discovery due to independent actions
Important points to note
- Always wear a life jacket or snorkeling vest
- Don't swim alone, swim with others (buddy system)
- Check breathing tube and mask fit beforehand
- Beginners should join a tour with an instructor
- Always be aware of waves and currents, even in shallow waters
diving
Main risks
- Decompression sickness (ascending too quickly, etc.)
- Oxygen shortage/equipment problems
- Panic-induced drowning
Important points to note
- Always choose a tour with a qualified instructor
- Thorough advance inspection of equipment (regulators, tanks, etc.)
- Team up with a "buddy" and keep an eye on each other
- Ascend slowly and observe safety stops (usually 3 minutes at a depth of 5m)
- Diving is prohibited within 24 hours of boarding a plane (to prevent decompression sickness)
Sea Kayaking
Main risks
- Capsizing/drifting (being carried away by wind or waves)
- Unable to return to shore (lack of strength/disorientation)
- Sunstroke/Heat stroke
Important points to note
- Always wear a life jacket
- Beginners should take a guided tour
- Check the weather and wind speed in advance, and cancel in case of bad weather
- Don't go too far out to sea, but always stay within sight of the shore.
- Don't forget to take measures against heatstroke (water and a hat)
SUP
Main risks
- Falling off the board
- Unable to return to shore (wind, current, lack of strength)
- Injuries from coral or rocks
Important points to note
- Always wear a life jacket or buoyancy vest
- Always wear a leash that connects your board to your body.
- Wear reef boots to prevent injuries.
- Never push yourself too hard on days with strong winds or fast currents
- Beginners should do it under the guidance of an instructor.
Surfing and bodyboarding
Main risks
- Being dashed against rocks or reefs
- Contact and collision with others
- Being swept away by strong waves or rip currents
Important points to note
- Choose a spot that suits your level (there are many areas that are not suitable for beginners)
- If the "surf zone" and "swimming zone" are adjacent, you cannot enter the "swimming zone."
- Keep a safe distance from other surfers and try to avoid contact.
- Always attach a leash cord to prevent the board from drifting away
- Obey local rules and manners
Okinawa: Other ways to enjoy marine activities and recommended spots
Marine leisure is Even if it's sunny, the waves are high and the instructor determines that it is not safe to proceed. In cases such as The event has been canceled When planning a trip to Okinawa, Alternatives to marine leisure It's reassuring to keep this in mind.
Opened in July 2025,
Junglia Okinawa
" is a popular spot! There are also plenty of other fun indoor facilities and activities!
Activities that can be booked on the day
Please be sure to check this information in advance.
Churaumi Aquarium admission ticket (Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture)
Okinawa Naha | Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum (Okimyu) | Instant booking confirmation
[Okinawa, Nago] Okinawa Fruit Land Discount Admission Ticket
This is a great value admission ticket that gives you 10% off the admission fee.
Enjoy Okinawa's ocean safely and securely
Marine leisure teeth A little carelessness can lead to an accident There is.
When booking an activity, A reliable business Choose a suitable place and prepare in advance what to bring and what to be careful of. Enjoy the Okinawan ocean safely and happily Please do!
*The content of this article is current as of July 2025.
Featured image provided by:
photoAC