Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is an ambush predator with both eyes on the left side of its body, a left‑eye flatfish, inhabiting sandy‑pebble bottoms from 10–200 m offshore. In June, water temperatures along the West Sea coast rise to 15–22 °C, prompting olive flounder to move into shallow coastal waters and begin active feeding, marking the peak of the olive flounder lure‑fishing season. However, the same period brings stronger winds and waves, increasing the risk of sea‑sickness and accidents on rocky shores and breakwaters. This article details, with scientific backing, the essential sea‑sickness prevention and response methods and safety points to check when heading out in June.
01Sea‑sickness prevention on board, basic principles and practical application
When stop, forward, and turn motions occur simultaneously, the vestibular system becomes confused, causing sea‑sickness. At sea, changing wave heights and wind directions cause the boat to sway irregularly; in particular, June in the West Sea sees strong south‑west winds that raise wave heights to 1.5–3 m (KMA). To minimize sea‑sickness, secure a visual reference, keep your posture stable, and avoid abrupt turns.
- Visual fixation: continuously look at the forward bow line or the horizon. Keeping the eyes steady reduces vestibular stimulation.
- Posture maintenance: sit in the center of the boat, bend the knees slightly, and use the backrest to lock the body. Lowering the center of gravity lessens boat motion.
- Food·hydration management: about an hour before departure, eat light carbohydrates (banana·bread) and drink water; avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Only considering clockwise turns– In reality, waves move laterally and vertically in complex patterns.
- Overeating – delayed digestion causes the stomach to shift and worsens sea‑sickness.
- Looking at a smartphone instead of the bow line – visual stimulus becomes unstable.
02Rocky shore·breakwater accident prevention, zones and action guidelines
When currents are strong, waves rise and fall sharply around rocks and breakwaters, leading to frequent slip accidents. According to a KMI marine environment survey, the average current speed in June for the South and West Seas is 1.2–2.0 knots, and when current speed changes by more than 0.5 knots, slip risk increases by over 30 %. Therefore, always check current forecasts and wave heights before heading out, and keep a ‘safety distance (30 m or more)’ from breakwaters.
03Immediate response and rescue procedure when sea‑sickness occurs
Sea‑sickness recovers quickly if stopped early. Following the timeline above lets you finish fishing safely even in June’s high‑temperature, high‑current conditions. Also, mandatory life‑jacket wear before departure and preparation of emergency radios and buoys greatly reduce rescue time in an emergency.
‘On the sea, wind and waves immediately determine safety and risk.’ – KMI marine weather expert