Chip bags, schoolbags can be floatation devices to prevent water accidents: Japan experts

August 8, 2023 (Mainichi Japan)

Japanese version

TOKYO -- A company based in east Japan and the Tokyo-area chapter of the Red Cross are teaming up to release videos showing how children can keep safe during the peak season for drowning accidents by using familiar items on hand.

The Japanese Red Cross Society's Kanagawa Chapter and Pinecones, a children's schoolbag sales company based in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, collaborated to film the videos in July, and plan to release them through official social media channels starting in early August.

The Red Cross is informing people that near-empty plastic bottles and unopened bags of chips, candy or other items can be used as floatation devices in the event a child falls into a river or a similar accident occurs. Pinecones gave the Red Cross schoolbags to use, which led to the launch of the production of the videos. An aquatics safety instructor from the chapter was filmed teaching a third-year elementary school student how to stay safe in the water at the pool of an elementary school in the Tokyo suburban city of Machida on July 27.

The student wore clothing in the pool to match situations where accidents may occur, such as while the child is on their way to or from school or attending a waterside barbeque. According to the Red Cross, clothing can get in the way and make it difficult for a child to swim well, so it is important to stay afloat and wait for help in such a scenario.

While filming, the student played out the idea of using objects on hand to stay afloat. Whether holding the schoolbag above oneself while laying upward or keeping it on their back positioned close to their neck, water was kept below the level of the child's head. Placing bags of snacks in each armpit also helped them remain afloat.

Riku Sakamoto, the 30-year-old aquatics safety instructor, advised, "If you see someone in trouble in the water, you can help keep them afloat for a little while just by throwing them a ball that was being used for games. That can buy some time to call for help."

(Japanese original by Ayano Tanaka, Yokohama Bureau)