Stay above water this summer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  With the summer months in full swing many turn to outdoor activities that require being in, on, or near the water.

While participating in activities like swimming, boating or operating any type of watercraft it is important to keep a few safety tips in mind.

· Never rely on toys such as inner tubes or water wings to stay afloat
· Don't take chances, or over estimate your swimming skills
· Take a wingman and never do these activities alone
· Swim only in designated swimming areas (click here for approved swimming areas)
· Always wear a life jacket if you go out in deep water

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 651 fatal boating accidents and more than $38 million in damage in 2012 due to boating accidents. Almost two-thirds of these fatal accidents were cases of drowning - the number one cause - and of those, 80 percent were not wearing a personal flotation device.

Here at Misawa, there are a number of activities families, friends and coworkers can do together at the base beach. This area of the base is run by Outdoor Recreation and offers various rentals to take part in activities out on the water.

Having the opportunity to rent powerboats, jet skis and more, there also comes a few different safety measures depending on what you want to rent.

"Every piece of watercraft we rent out to people requires a personal flotation device," said Ronald Stark, 35 FSS program coordinator of Outdoor Recreation. "It must be U.S. Coast Guard category one, two, three or five."

Another thing that is important is wearing the proper clothing for certain activities.

"Some activities you are going to need to dress appropriately," said Stark. "It is not a good idea to wear swimwear on a jet ski."

"If you fall off going 50 miles per hour on a jet ski it's kind of like hitting concrete," he added. "You want to be dressed for the crash just like riding a motorcycle."

Along with safety measures there are courses and classes needed to become licensed operators of certain watercraft.

If someone is looking to rent a boat, there is a two-step process in obtaining the boating license for powerboats here, said Stark.

Power boating participants in Misawa must be 18 years or older, which mirrors Japanese local standards. The first step is to go to www.boatus.org and create an account. After this, one should take the California boater's safety course, which is free of charge.

"It's a very comprehensive course," said Stark. "It's four hours and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard."

"I have had people on base tell me it's more than you could ever want to know about your boat, but that's a good thing," added Stark with a laugh.

Once the course is completed, there is a boater's safety course ran by Outdoor Recreation. The license received for powerboat rentals is good for 36 months or until someone's date of estimated return from overseas.

While the length of validity is the same for jet skis, a separate license is needed to operate them.

To obtain a jet ski license you must be 16 years or older and have a 4-EJ license and all Active Duty Air Force members must have a signed AF Form 4391, said Stark. Also a class must be attended to receive your jet ski license.

For details on class dates and times call Outdoor Recreation at 226-3480.

Stark said if you follow the rules of the road like you would if were in a car then you will be fine in operating their watercraft. However, he also said anything that happens on the road can also happen on the water.