A Series of Accidents Involving the Popular Water Leisure Equipment 'Towing Tubes' — A Complete Guide to Enjoying Them Safely in Japan

1. Background and Overview of the Accident

1.1 What is a Towing Tube?

• Definition and Mechanism: A towing tube (also known as a towable tube) is a large, buoyant tube-shaped recreational device that is towed by a watercraft such as a jet ski. Passengers can ride the tube in groups, enjoying thrilling experiences like riding over waves and drifting.

• Popularity as Leisure: Due to its active nature and the strong buoyancy and thrill it provides in a short time, it is particularly popular among young people and families at beach resorts and lakeside marine leisure spots.

• Expansion of Popularity: Especially since the 2010s, the number of marine leisure facilities in Japan has increased, with activities like towing tubes, banana boats, wakeboarding, and jet skiing rapidly expanding due to tourism promotion and inbound demand.

1.2 Recent Major Accidents (Around 2023-2024)

• Lake Biwa Accident (September 7, 2025):
  Off the coast of Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, a towing tube being pulled by a jet ski collided with a moored boat. A woman on board died, and a 33-year-old man was left in a critical condition.Asahi Broadcasting Television+1

• Arrest and Charges: The 57-year-old operator from Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, who was towing the tube, was arrested on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death or injury and admitted to the charges, stating, "There is no mistake."Asahi Broadcasting Television+1

• Media Coverage and Social Impact: The incident has been covered by various media outlets, drawing significant social attention. There is an increased awareness of safety for foreign tourists, making it a notable accident for visitors to Japan.

1.3 Why Are Accidents Increasing? Background of Frequent Accidents

• Ambiguity and Delay in Legal Systems
  In Japan, while there are legal systems regarding the operation of watercraft and recreational devices, detailed rules and safety standards vary by region, and the establishment of unified guidelines has been delayed. For example, towing distances, speed limits, operator qualifications, and passenger equipment obligations are sometimes operated ambiguously.
  
  

• Safety Awareness and Instruction by Operators
  While some local operators independently conduct safety training, such as having former teachers instruct, there are cases where profit is prioritized, leading to simplification and omission. As a result, adequate warnings to passengers, wearing life jackets, and education on signals and stopping methods during operation may be insufficient.
  
  

• Lack of Risk Awareness Among Visitors
  Foreign tourists, among others, often cannot read warnings and explanations written only in Japanese, leading them to underestimate the danger. Additionally, there is a tendency to have a low awareness of self-defense under the assumption that "Japan is safe."

2. Legal Systems and Enforcement Status

2.1 Legal Framework for Watercraft and Recreational Devices in Japan

• Registration and Licensing System for Jet Skis: In Japan, jet skis exceeding a certain displacement are subject to registration and licensing systems. However, there is no explicit law covering leisure activities using towing devices in general.

• Guidelines by the Japan Coast Guard and Local Governments: Local governments and the Japan Coast Guard have created safety instruction manuals and ordinances, but there are few standardized criteria specifically for towing tubes.

• Customary Practices and Instruction: In some regions, attending safety lectures and the obligation to wear life jackets have become "voluntary rules," but there is no national uniformity.

2.2 Comparison with Examples from Other Countries

• In the United States and Europe, commercial operations of towing tubes often have explicit regulations regarding the components (tube), towing distance and speed, operator licenses, and the installation of safety equipment (knives, fire extinguishers, signal flags, etc.).

• In Japan, such structural and institutional arrangements are incomplete, and the legal backwardness is pointed out.

3. Practical Safety Measures

3.1 Points for Choosing an Operator (Before Enjoying Towing Tubes in Japan)

1. Confirmation at the Time of Reservation

   • Presence of Safety Training

   • Condition of the Recreational Equipment (Wear and Damage)

   • Provision and Size Selection of Life Jackets

   • Qualifications and Experience of the Operator (Staff)
     
     
     

2. Checks Upon Arrival

   • Clarity of Explanations and Availability of Multilingual Support

   • Actual Briefing (Oral, Written, Confirmation Required)

   • Guidance on Emergency Signals and Criteria for Stopping
     
     
     

3. Thoroughness of Safety Equipment

   • Whether Life Jackets are of Appropriate Size and Standard (PFD: Personal Flotation Device)

   • Availability or Recommendation of Protective Gear such as Helmets and Gloves

   • Availability of Lifesaving Equipment (Life Rings, Rescue Ropes)
     
     
     

4. Importance of Checking Weather and Water Conditions

   • Understanding Wind Speed, Wave Height, and Thunderstorm Warnings in Advance

   • Whether the Operator Quickly Decides to Cancel or Passengers Can Request Cancellation

   • The Importance of Avoiding Boarding Based on Self-Judgment

3.2 Mindset and Actions as a Passenger

• Wearing a Life Jacket is Essential
  It is indispensable for significantly reducing fatal risks in the event of an accident. Choose colors with high visibility (such as orange or yellow) in addition to buoyancy.

• Understanding and Confirmation of Explanations
  Even if there are no multilingual explanations, always confirm the signals for operation and stopping. Do not hesitate to ask questions if you do not understand.

• Understanding Capacity and Weight Limitations
  Do not exceed the specified capacity and be mindful of weight imbalances. Especially when small children and adults are together, imbalances can increase the risk of capsizing or falling.

• Sharing Signals and Conditions for Stopping
  If you feel any danger, use the pre-shared stop signal and be prepared to demand an immediate halt.

3.3 Strengthening Responses by Operators and Businesses

• Designing a System for Staff Education
  Mandate classroom and practical training on safety techniques (towing operations, emergency stops, passenger posture guidance) for operators.

• Maintenance and Inspection of Recreational Equipment
  Regularly check and record the wear, cracks, and deterioration of tubes and towing devices.

• Accident Response Plan
  Clarify rescue procedures, reporting routes, and insurance responses, and explain them to passengers in advance. Do not neglect preparations in case of an accident.

4. Analysis of Towing Tube Accidents: Case Studies

(Detailed explanation of accident situations, causal factors, trials, and compensation based on actual reports and police announcements)

4.1 Details and Legal Evaluation of the Lake Biwa Accident

• Reconstruction of the Accident:
  While a jet ski was towing a tube, it came into contact with a moored boat. Multiple factors such as distance, speed, poor visibility for the operator, and signal errors may have contributed.

• Reason for Arrest:
  The operator was charged with "professional negligence resulting in death or injury." Under Japanese criminal law, this applies to those who cause death or injury through negligence.

• Precedents and Judicial Response:
  In past cases, there has been an increase in accountability pursued against operators and facilities in water leisure accidents. There is a high possibility of increased momentum for strengthening safety measures and legal arrangements across the industry.

4.2 Other Cases (Hypothetical and Based on Past Reports)

• Examples of towing tube capsizing in other regions, collisions due to congestion at sea, and accidents in bad weather have been reported, organizing common risk factors such as poor visibility, lack of signal thoroughness, and weather judgment errors.

5. Advice for Foreign Travelers and Residents

5.1 Dealing with Language Barriers

• Selecting Multilingual Operators: Check if there are guides in English or Chinese, and verify the language of websites and brochures. It is reassuring if reviews mention "Safety briefing in English was clear."

• Using Plans with Interpreters: Private travel companies and municipal tours may offer plans with interpreters. This is particularly effective for the elderly, those with children, or those unfamiliar with foreign languages.

5.2 Concerns Specific to Overseas Travelers

• Insurance Enrollment: Enroll in accident insurance or activity insurance for overseas travelers to prepare for water accidents.

• Registering Emergency Contacts: Save contacts such as your accommodation, Japanese police (110), fire department (119), and the Japan Coast Guard on your smartphone