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The sea of Miyakojima is a paradise with beautiful emerald green waters and white sandy beaches.
However, every year, many water-related accidents occur—especially during snorkeling or after typhoons.
Most of the fatalities are tourists.
Since most beaches in Miyakojima do not have lifeguards, it is important to take full responsibility and be extremely cautious when swimming.
Please keep these points in mind to enjoy the ocean safely.
BEACHES WITH A HIGH RISK OF WATER-RELATED ACCIDENTS
Sunayama Beach
🏆 The beach with the highest number of water-related accidents in Miyakojima
⚠️ Reasons for Danger:
- Appears to have shallow waters, but suddenly becomes deep past a certain point
- On rough wave days, even near the shore, swirling currents can easily sweep swimmers away
- Past incidents: Two women died in 2014; one man died in 2018
- Shark-related incident: In 2000, a surfer was fatally bitten by a shark offshore
📝 Notes
✔ Not suitable for snorkeling (no coral reefs or tropical fish)
✔ Recommended to enjoy the beach and scenery without swimming
TOGUCHI NO HAMA
🌊 A BEACH WITH A HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS DUE TO DIRECT CONNECTION TO THE OPEN SEA
⚠️ Reasons for Danger
- No coral reefs, directly connected to the open sea, making it easy to be swept away
- Rip currents can pull swimmers far offshore quickly
- High waves, especially dangerous before and after typhoons
- Past incidents: In 2015, three family members drowned
📝 Points to Note
✔ Swimming is dangerous; it’s safer to just enjoy the shoreline
✔ Not suitable for snorkeling due to the lack of coral reefs
17END
✈ A Scenic Spot, but Swimming Can Be Dangerous
⚠️ Reasons for Danger:
- A phantom beach appears at low tide and is popular with tourists, but ocean currents change rapidly.
- It becomes suddenly deep beyond a certain point, and strong currents can pull swimmers out.
- In 2017, a tourist was swept away by the tide.
📝 Points to Note
✔ Best to enjoy the scenery without entering the sea
✔ Vehicle access has been prohibited since 2019, and safety measures are being strengthened
INGYA MARINE GARDEN
🌿 The inner bay is calm, but venturing into the open sea is dangerous
⚠️ Reasons for danger
- The inner bay is like a 50-meter-wide pool and relatively safe
- The current becomes strong once you go out to the open sea, increasing the risk of rip currents
- After a typhoon passes, waves become especially high and dangerous
📝 Precautions
✔ Stay within the inner bay only! Never venture into the open sea
✔ Refrain from swimming during and after typhoons
WAIWAI BEACH
You may encounter sea turtles, but snorkeling in the open ocean is dangerous
⚠️ Reasons it’s dangerous:
- Sea turtles are found in the open ocean area beyond the breakwater
- Strong currents occur in the open ocean and can easily carry you away
- In 2018, a woman went missing after a typhoon while paddleboarding (SUP)
📝 Points to Note
✔ If you want to snorkel or do SUP, join a guided tour
✔ Avoid swimming or snorkeling on your own
NAKANOSHIMA BEACH
🐠 A Popular Snorkeling Spot, but Be Cautious of Drifting into the Open Sea
⚠️ Dangers:
- The inner sea area with coral reefs is relatively safe, but the boundary with the open sea is unclear.
- While focused on the fish, you may unknowingly drift into the open sea.
- Once in the open sea, strong rip currents can make it difficult to return to shore.
📝 Notes
✔ Always be aware of your location while snorkeling.
✔ Choose safer snorkeling spots like Aragusuku Beach or Yoshino Beach for added safety.
🏄♂️ Enjoy Swimming Safely
In Miyakojima, many water-related accidents occur every year, with some resulting in fatalities. Most of the victims are tourists, especially during snorkeling or right after a typhoon has passed.
✅ Tips to Safely Enjoy the Ocean in Miyakojima:
✔ Wear a life jacket (especially for snorkeling and SUP)
✔ Check the current and sea conditions before entering the water (the sea remains rough for a few days after a typhoon)
✔ Be extra cautious at beaches without lifeguards
✔ Don’t go too deep or too far from shore
✔ Snorkel with someone experienced
The ocean in Miyakojima is stunning, but never underestimate the power of nature. Take proper safety precautions and enjoy your time in the beautiful sea!