Water Safety Law to Save Lives from Summer Drowning Accidents

As summer vacation approaches and recreational activities at beaches and rivers increase, warnings about water-related accidents are being emphasized. The Japanese Red Cross Society (headquartered in Minato Ward, Tokyo; President: Atsushi Kiyohara; hereinafter 'JRCS') is implementing its 'Water Safety Law' program nationwide to educate the public on life-saving knowledge and skills to prevent drowning incidents.

Drowning Accidents in Numbers

During the summer of Reiwa 7, a total of 241 people were reported dead or missing nationwide due to water-related accidents. Incidents occurring at 'the sea' and 'rivers' accounted for over 80% of all cases. The most common activity at the time of the accident was 'fishing or catching fish,' at 21.6%, surpassing 'playing in water' and 'swimming' (based on the National Police Agency's 'Overview of Water Accidents in the Summer of Reiwa 7'). These findings indicate that more people fall into water bodies like the sea or rivers while fully clothed, rather than in swimwear.

Reiwa 7: Number of Fatalities and Missing Persons by Location (Left) and Activity (Right)

* Created by the Japanese Red Cross Society based on 'Overview of Water Accidents in the Summer of Reiwa 7' (National Police Agency) (r7_kaki_suinan.pdf)

What is the 'Water Safety Law'? *Refer to reference materials for details

To prevent drowning accidents, it is essential not only to understand dangerous locations and behaviors but also to recognize that such accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Each individual must acquire the knowledge and skills to protect their own life, including how to respond in an emergency.

The 'Water Safety Law' refers to the knowledge and techniques necessary for safely enjoying water activities—covering accident prevention, basic swimming skills, self-preservation, and methods of rescue and first aid when someone is involved in a water accident.

What to Do If You Fall into Water While Fully Clothed

The priority is not to swim, but to float. The key is to maintain breathing while clothed. Removing clothing or shoes in the water is dangerous. It is also important to learn how to use everyday items such as plastic bottles to gain buoyancy and stay afloat.

What to Do If You See Someone in Distress in the Water

Immediately call 119 (or 118 for maritime incidents). Rather than entering the water alone, multiple people should stay on land and offer floating objects such as plastic bottles to calm the person. If possible, use long tools like poles to safely pull the person to shore.

Knowledge and Preparation to Prevent Accidents

It is not enough to check water levels and weather conditions. Understanding the unique characteristics of natural environments such as oceans and rivers, and being aware of dangerous areas and behaviors, is crucial. *Refer to [Figure 1, 2]

Media and Material Inquiries

The JRCS has numerous staff and volunteers certified as Water Safety Law instructors who can provide commentary, interviews (online available), and materials.

Media coverage of clothed swimming training sessions is also available upon request.

Naoto Uchida, Water Safety Law Instructor, Japanese Red Cross Society (Kanagawa Prefectural Branch, Operations Department, Rescue Division)

Since university, I have worked as a lifeguard, conducting surveillance and rescue operations at beaches, pools, the Olympics, and various waterside sports events. With 17 years of experience as a Water Safety Law instructor, I have led over 100 training sessions.

Most waterside accidents occur because people are unaware of the risks and proper emergency responses. Approach nature with humility, take preventive measures such as checking weather forecasts in advance, and avoid overconfidence. When enjoying water activities, always wear a life jacket. Survival rates with a life jacket are nearly twice as high as without. I strongly recommend owning your own life jacket to enjoy water safely.

Media Coverage Schedule for Clothed Swimming Training

Sessions are scheduled in and around Tokyo. Please contact the Public Relations Office if you wish to cover.

Tokyo

July 8 (Wed) 8:55 AM – Katsushika Municipal Higashikanamachi Elementary School

July 9 (Thu) 8:40 AM – Itabashi Municipal Itabashi Daiichi Elementary School

July 9 (Thu) 3:20 PM – Itabashi Municipal Itabashi Daiichi Elementary School *For teachers

July 11 (Sat) 10:00 AM – Canoe Slalom Center *For parents and children

Kanagawa Prefecture

July 14 (Tue) 8:50 AM – Yokohama Municipal Hiratodai Elementary School

July 15 (Wed) 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Yokohama Municipal Byobugaura Elementary School

July 16 (Thu) 8:45 AM – 10:50 AM – Yokohama Municipal Mato Elementary School

* Please contact us if you wish to cover in other prefectures.

Available Materials

Official JRCS YouTube Channel

Videos on clothed swimming techniques and training sessions are available.

▼ How to Swim While Fully Clothed

https://youtu.be/ibStzvX6agQ?si=VldxNu4NJRNkMhil

▼ Training Session Footage

https://youtu.be/myo9QMhAiS8?si=vm2d3Fa6k47M6haO

Data from Water Safety Law Training Manuals

Includes compiled information on 'dangerous locations at sea and rivers.' Additional materials available upon request.

[Figure 1] [Figure 2]

<Reference Material> Details of the 'Water Safety Law'

Key Points for Floating

If you fall into water, remain calm and focus on floating to await help.

· Keep your face and gaze upward

· Relax your body, extend arms and legs

· Take deep breaths and exhale slowly

· Do not curl up in fear

· Do not remove clothing or shoes

Items That Provide Buoyancy

Knowing items that can provide buoyancy helps drowning victims stay afloat longer.

· Plastic bottles

· Coolers

· Buckets

· Soccer balls

· Unopened potato chip bags (larger bags preferred)

Key Points for Rescue

Accurately assess the scene and act safely, effectively, and promptly.

· Call out to the drowning person to calm them

· Instruct them to float and encourage them

· Extend a long pole or your clothing slowly to pull them in

· Offer buoyant objects

Health Checkpoints

Be aware of your physical condition and potential risks before entering water.

· Are you sleep-deprived?

· Have you consumed alcohol or are experiencing a hangover?

· Do you feel fatigued?

· Are you hungry?

· Have you just eaten?

Key Points for Wearing a Life Jacket

Wearing a life jacket is essential for saving lives.

Survival rates with a life jacket are nearly double those without. *Refer to [Figure 3]

Life jackets help keep the body afloat, maintain body temperature, and reduce impact during collisions. Always wear one during water activities such as swimming, fishing, or boating.

· Use a size that fits your body

· Securely fasten belts, leg straps, and zippers

· Choose bright, visible colors

· Preferably with a whistle attached

[Figure 3] *From the Japanese Red Cross Water Safety Law Training Manual