Considering the Asahikawa Consecutive Drowning Incidents: Why Are Lives Lost in Rivers, and What Measures Can We Take?

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Accident and Site Environment

2. Current Situation of River Drowning in Japan: Understanding Risks from Statistics

3. Five Mechanisms Leading to "Sequential Drowning"

4. Why Children and the Elderly Are More Prone to Become Victims

5. Reasons Rescuers Drown and Lessons from Around the World

6. 10 Immediate Measures for Individuals and Families

7. Water Safety Education Initiatives in Schools and Communities

8. Challenges and Advanced Cases in Administration and Infrastructure

9. Community Collaboration Model Learned from the Asahikawa Accident

10. Conclusion: Aiming for Zero Waterside Accidents

    
    
    
    

1. Overview of the Accident and Site Environment

On June 11 at around 16:15, two junior high school girls were swept away while swimming in the shallows near Nakai Town, Asahikawa. Mr. Sakamoto, who was out for a walk, pushed one of them to the shore but was swept downstream himself and died [Asahi Shimbun]asahi.com. The site is about 18 km from the river mouth, in a slow-flowing area downstream of a weir, where the water surface appears calm, but the water level had risen and the flow rate increased due to rain from the previous day [RSK Sanyo Broadcasting]newsdig.tbs.co.jp. The riverbed is gravelly and clayey, making it slippery, and there is a "drop-off" where the depth suddenly exceeds 2 meters, as explained by the local fire department.

2. Current Situation of River Drowning in Japan: Understanding Risks from Statistics

According to the National Police Agency's "Overview of Water Accidents in Reiwa 5," out of 1,392 water accident cases nationwide, 398 occurred in rivers, and 33.4% of the 743 dead or missing were in rivers. Of the 27 dead or missing under junior high school age, 59% were in riversnpa.go.jp. Unlike beaches, rivers have fewer lifeguards and regulatory signs, making it difficult to identify dangerous areas.

3. Five Mechanisms Leading to "Sequential Drowning"

① Misinterpretation of Visual Information: Refraction of light makes it appear shallow, and the bottom suddenly changes.

② Sudden Change in Flow Conditions: After rain, even a 10 cm rise in water level can increase flow speed by 1.3 times, making it impossible for a 60 kg adult to stand in the current [Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism River Water Accident Prevention Portal]mlit.go.jp.

③ Cold Water Shock: In early summer, river water temperature is around 18°C, and sudden immersion of the chest can lead to respiratory arrest.

④ Dangers of Rescue Actions: According to the Japan Lifesaving Association, about 20% of drowning deaths involve a third party who entered to help [JLA Teaching Materials]elearning.jla-lifesaving.or.jp.

⑤ Life Jacket Wearing Rate: The wearing rate among river accident fatalities is estimated to be only 2% [River Foundation]kasen.or.jp.

4. Why Children and the Elderly Are More Prone to Become Victims

Children have weak muscle strength to maintain buoyancy and lack swimming skills. The elderly experience muscle weakness and decreased cardiopulmonary function, making it difficult to withstand sudden water entry. Declines in vision and judgment also affect their ability to recognize danger promptly.

5. Reasons Rescuers Drown and Lessons from Around the World

The UK RNLI emphasizes "Reach or Throw, Don’t Go," recommending rescue tools that can be extended or thrown from land. Some regions prohibit water rescues by non-professionals. In Japan, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency also advocates for "Don’t Enter, Call, Throw," but public awareness is low.

6. Ten Immediate Measures for Individuals and Families

1. Always conduct river play under the supervision of multiple adults or a lifeguard
   
   

2. Check water temperature, level, and flow speed in advance (using the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "River Disaster Information" app)
   
   

3. Children must wear life jackets that meet Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism standards
   
   

4. Do not enter the water after drinking alcohol or when feeling unwell
   
   

5. Check for sudden weather changes and upstream thunderstorm information via smartphone alerts
   
   

6. Observe danger signs and no-entry signs
   
   

7. Carry rescue equipment (a life ring with a rope)
   
   

8. Experience "Throw and Extend" rescue training with your family
   
   

9. Review clothed swimming lessons at school with your children
   
   

10. If you find a drowning person, call 119 and arrange for an AED simultaneously
    
    
    
    

7. Water Accident Prevention Education in Schools and Communities

An increasing number of municipalities are expanding the number of clothed swimming lessons from once a year to multiple times. Following a recent accident, the Okayama City Board of Education instructed elementary and junior high schools to conduct special "River Danger" lessons before summer vacation. There are also movements to hold joint workshops with local fire departments and the JLA.

8. Administrative and Infrastructure Challenges and Advanced Examples

• Real-time Hazardous Water Level Display: In Yoshida River, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, LED display boards and sirens have been installed, reducing accidents by half.

• Rescue Equipment Stations: In Akan River, Kushiro City, Hokkaido, life rings with ropes are permanently installed at 100m intervals.

• AI Camera Surveillance: In Aioi City, Hyogo Prefecture, AI drowning detection cameras have been introduced in the estuary, reducing the average reporting time by 3 minutes.
  
  
  
  

9. Learning from the Asahikawa Accident: A Regional Collaboration Model

In Asahikawa, due to the convenience of a river flowing through the city, the promenade and riverbank are closely connected. The administration, schools, and neighborhood associations are collaborating to create a "Dangerous Shallow Map," and there are plans to attach QR codes to park signs. The Okayama City Fire Department plans to set up a free life jacket rental station this summer.

10. Conclusion: Aiming for Zero Accidents at the Water's Edge

While people enjoy the water's edge, rivers have the power to take lives in an instant. Accidents are not "unfortunate" but inevitably occur due to a combination of environment, behavior, and equipment. We want to incorporate the statistics and measures presented in this article into daily life and cultivate a "culture of life protection" throughout the community. To make the tragedy in Asahikawa the last sacrifice.

Reference Article List

• RSK Sanyo Broadcasting "A man drowned after rescuing another female student (13); a water accident where a female student (13) and a man (69) who went to help died" (2025-06-12)newsdig.tbs.co.jp

• Asahi Shimbun "A junior high school student swept away by the river and a 69-year-old man who went to help died in Asahikawa, Kita Ward, Okayama City" (2025-06-12)asahi.com

• National Police Agency "Overview of Water Accidents in Reiwa 5" (Published on 2025-06-13)npa.go.jp

• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism River Water Accident Prevention Portal Site "Wear a life jacket when playing in the river"mlit.go.jp

• River Foundation "Prevention of Water Accidents in Rivers"kasen.or.jp

• Japan Lifesaving Association e-Lifesaving Material "Protect Lives! Learn Together! Water Safety"elearning.jla-lifesaving.or.jp