Japan warns of rising summer drowning deaths as police conduct water‑rescue drills

Officials in Japan’s Tokai region warned that extreme heat and frequent water‑play have led to a surge in drowning incidents. On July 20, police and prefectural staff distributed flyers urging the use of life jackets after a high‑school boy was found unconscious in the Nagara River. The Aichi‑Gifu Lifesaving Association said, "細かいことかもしれませんが、ライフジャケットを着ていれば助かったかもしれない" (small measures can save lives). The region, which records the second‑highest number of river drownings nationally, highlighted the danger of strong currents near bridge piers.

In Fujisawa, Kanagawa, police officers performed a rescue drill on July 21, wearing cut‑ resistant protective gear and practicing techniques with everyday items such as empty bottles and inflatable rings. The police agency cited 2025 water‑related accident statistics: 1,426 incidents, 742 deaths and 18 people missing. Authorities stress pre‑checking hazardous sites and prohibiting unsupervised children from water play.