The Importance of Vigilant Supervision at Swimming Pools
Experts are highlighting the critical need for constant supervision to prevent accidents in swimming pools, following a tragic incident where a 6-year-old boy drowned at a sports club in Tokyo on July 28. While many consider pools safer than natural bodies of water like the sea or rivers, this incident serves as a stark reminder that dangers still exist, even if the exact cause and details of the event remain unclear.
Eliminating Blind Spots in Supervision
The accident took place at the “Megalos Musashikoganei” sports club in Koganei, a suburban area of Tokyo, shortly after 10:30 a.m. on July 28. Around 20 elementary school children were participating in a swimming session as part of an after-school care program. Minutes after entering the pool, the boy was discovered floating in the water. He was immediately taken to the hospital but passed away approximately 11.5 hours later.
To prevent such tragedies, the Japan Lifesaving Association emphasizes the importance of never taking your eyes off children while they are in the water. It also stresses the need for cooperation among all individuals present to eliminate blind spots and quickly detect any unusual behavior.
Recognizing Signs of Distress
According to the association, if someone’s face remains submerged in the water, they do not resurface after diving, or they appear to be struggling beneath a flotation device, it may indicate a problem. The organization urges people to notice any abnormalities within 10 seconds and take appropriate rescue actions within 20 seconds.
Drowning Quietly
A study conducted by the Consumer Safety Investigation Commission of the Consumer Affairs Agency in the summer of 2019 revealed dangerous behaviors among infants in pools, including jumping into the water. The commission advises supervisors to focus solely on monitoring children, move their gaze regularly, and have emergency procedures planned in advance.
It also highlights that people may not always cry out for help or show visible signs of distress when drowning. Instead, they often drown quietly, making it crucial to pay attention to stillness or unnatural movements.
Timing and Entry into Water
Hidetoshi Saitoh, director at the Society of Water Rescue and Survival Research and professor at Nagaoka University of Technology, emphasizes the importance of considering the age of individuals in the water, the location, and the timing. He points out that the highest risk is for second graders and kindergarteners under 120 centimeters tall, who are unfamiliar with pools outside of school settings.
The timing of entry into the water is also critical. Children may become excited upon visiting a new pool and jump in without checking whether they can touch the bottom. Additionally, light refraction underwater can make it difficult to spot someone sinking from outside the pool.
Saitoh states, “Whether or not an accident occurs is mostly determined by how they enter the water. It is important to ensure children enter the water at a place where they can stand up, without letting them act alone,” suggesting that support from others is essential.
Preparing for Summer Activities
During the summer holiday season, families often have opportunities to enjoy time together in pools. Saitoh recommends that parents change clothes with their children, go to the poolside together, and enter the water with them to ensure safety. This approach fosters a more secure environment and reduces the risk of accidents.
