水難事故　こんな状況になったら？離岸流に巻き込まれたときの対処法と子どもが溺れてしまったときの対処法【Nスタ解説】｜TBS NEWS DIG

With the continued heatwaves, the number of people enjoying water activities such as swimming at the beach has increased. Along with this, water-related accidents have also risen. N-Star staff members personally experienced these situations to learn essential coping strategies for emergencies. ■ Being swept away at the same speed as a top swimmer's full sprint… Masatoshi Nanba, Anchor: On the 16th, in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, two children were swept out to sea, and their father drowned while trying to rescue them. Also, in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture, a family of three was swept out to sea, but they were rescued by surfers nearby, saving their lives. The cause of these recent accidents is thought to be something called a "rip current." When waves crash from the open sea towards the shore, a current generally forms that runs along the shore. However, in some areas, a strong current flows back out to sea, sometimes 10 to 30 meters wide. It can travel as far as 2 meters per second. In 2022, a survey conducted by the Japan Coast Guard, using a coloring agent that can color seawater, visualized currents. It showed that currents that should normally flow along the coastline spread out far offshore, reaching about 30 meters from the beach. An N-Star director actually experienced a rip current. On the 14th, an event to protect children from water accidents was held in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo. There was a corner where visitors could experience a simulated rip current, and N-Star director Otsuru took on the challenge. He tried to swim against the current, but couldn't make any progress. He had to give up after about 20 seconds. Although it was only a short time, he was exhausted and barely managed to return to the boat. Mr. Matsuda also has experience with rip currents. Takeshi Matsuda, former Japanese national swimming team member: I have a water safety certification, which is a qualification for protecting myself, and it's said that rip currents can reach speeds of up to 2 meters per second. To give you an idea of ​​how fast it is, it's about the same speed as a top swimmer in the world swimming 100 meters at full speed. If I were to swim against a rip current moving at 2 meters per second right now, I probably wouldn't last even 30 seconds. Because rip currents generate such incredible speeds, it's essential to check where they are before entering the sea. Horan Chiaki (caster): Can't you tell by looking? Matsuda Takeshi (former Japanese national swimming team member): You can tell by looking. It's the flow of floating debris, or the color is different. In the ocean, if you ask a local or a lifeguard, they'll definitely know where the rip currents are, so I'd like you to know that first before entering the sea. ■Don't fight against it, let yourself be carried by the current and conserve your energy Nanba Masatoshi (caster): But even in that situation, what should you do if you get caught in a rip current? According to Takayuki Matsumoto, Vice Chairman of the Japan Lifesaving Association, the first step is to lie on your back and let yourself be carried by the current. Even Mr. Matsuda says it's difficult to resist, so the first step is to let yourself go. After being carried about 100 meters, the current usually weakens considerably, depending on the location. Once you feel the current weakening, it's important to move parallel to the shore, away from the rip current, and return to the shore. Holan (caster): So, the important thing is to let yourself be carried away until the current weakens, conserving energy? Takeshi Matsuda (former Japanese national swimming team member): Swimming against the current will exhaust you, so it's best to stay in a position where you can breathe, let yourself be carried away, and then move sideways when the current weakens, allowing you to wait for help. Maiko Hibi (caster): So, the key is to float without panicking. ■For drowning children, start with what you can do from land! Masatoshi Nanba (Anchor): So, what should you do if a child is drowning? First, call either the fire department (119) or the Japan Coast Guard (118). Hand over something that can be used as a flotation device, such as an empty plastic bottle or a cooler box, from the shore. Hidetoshi Saito, president of the Japan Water Safety Association, also says that "trying to rescue a drowning child is a dangerous act." In fact, an N-Star director experienced rescuing a drowning child. They recreated a scenario where a young elementary school girl was drowning. When you try to rescue a drowning child, they will desperately cling to you or try to jump on you. In the worst case, there is a risk that both of you could lose your lives. Holan (Anchor): It's important to thoroughly understand how to act in situations like this from a young age. Takeshi Matsuda (Former Japanese National Swimming Team Member): If you haven't received specialized training, trying to rescue someone is an...