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A Notice from the Mie Prefectural Police

Safety Precautions near Rivers and Beaches

 

The rainy season has begun and the temperature is on the rise, and already many have started visiting beaches and rivers within Mie Prefecture. From now onwards, the temperature will continue to rise and incidents such as drowning are expected to increase as the beaches and rivers become more crowded with swimmers.

 

Last year, within Mie Prefecture, there were a total of 31 incidents recorded, of which 21 people drowned and lost their lives. We would like you all to pay careful attention to the following 3 points, which were the main causes of drowning incidents from last year.

 

The first point is on preventing accidents involving children.

Last year a total of 6 accidents were reported of Junior High School aged children and under. 3 of those children passed away and 3 of those children were rescued from rescue efforts.

Up until May this year, a total of 2 accidents involving children have been reported. One child was rescued and unfortunately, the other child passed away. Both incidents occurred when the parents/caregivers had briefly left them unsupervised

Please be cautious of the following 3 points.

○　Please make your child aware of possible dangers around rivers and beaches. Also, advise them not to swim in dangerous areas.

○　Do not leave your child unsupervised, make sure they are accompanied by an adult.

○　If you notice other children swimming in dangerous areas, please warn them.

 

The second point is on preventing accidents during shellfish gathering and fishing. Last year during such activities there were 15 reported incidents, and 11 people reported missing. A life jacket is a necessity while out on the water, so make sure that everyone has one. The probability of surviving, changes dramatically if one is wearing a life jacket.

 

The Third point is on preventing accidents while swimming when one is feeling unwell. In summer as the amount of people that go to riversides or beaches to enjoy barbeques increases, so does the amount of drowning incidents involving alcohol. Alcohol affects your reflexes and ability to move and people have even drowned in shallow water due to alcohol consumption. Do not swim after drinking alcohol.

 

We ask for your cooperation to be aware and cautious of the above 3 points in order to help prevent accidents around rivers and beaches. Summer is a popular time for camping, swimming and other fun outdoor activities. But, please remember to be safe and more cautious when visiting rivers and beaches.