#Japan #Tokyo #Tipness #JSS Swimming School #Swim Safety

Tipness Launches Swim Safety Initiative for Kids

As summer approaches, the risk of water-related accidents increases, especially for children. To combat this serious issue, Tipness, a leading fitness club chain in Japan, is organizing a series of "Clothed Swimming Experience Workshops" across all its locations. These workshops aim to educate children on water safety, empowering them to save themselves in emergencies.

In the summer of 2024, the police reported that there were 105 water-related incidents involving children under junior high school age. Tragically, 17%—18 children—either lost their lives or went missing. Unfortunately, this statistic has been stable over the past five years, excluding the pandemic year of 2022, according to the National Police Agency. This concerning trend highlights the importance of safety education for children, particularly as swimming lessons in schools have declined due to aging facilities and other factors.

Introduction of "Wuitemate" Campaign

In response to these alarming statistics, Tipness has initiated workshops focused on the critical motto "Wuitemate," promoting the idea that floating while waiting for rescue is essential in the event of an accident. The concept underlines that most drowning incidents occur while the victim is fully clothed, which can significantly hinder their ability to swim or even stay afloat. Children who are usually capable swimmers may find themselves in danger when they unexpectedly end up in water wearing clothing.

This year, alongside JSS Swimming School, Tipness will lead Clothed Swimming Workshops designed to teach children essential skills for surviving a water emergency. Participants will learn about the importance of staying calm, proper use of flotation devices, and how to signal for help. This practical experience is foundational in ensuring that children understand how to protect themselves in unexpected situations.

Upcoming Workshop Schedule

As part of the "OPEN TIPNESS" initiative, which emphasizes community engagement, Tipness is offering these workshops not only for their members but also for local residents. The following is a detailed schedule for the workshops:

May 2024

• - 29th (Thu) - Nakano, Tanashi, Kawaguchi
• - 30th (Fri) - Gotanda, Kamiiida, Mukonoso, Ota
• - 31st (Sat) - Ishibashi, Kyobashi, Miyazakidai, Konan, Futamatagawa, Kawasaki, Mizue, Musashi-Fujisawa

June 2024

• - 5th (Thu) - Hamamatsu Aoi East
• - 8th (Sun) - Soga
• - 18th (Wed) - Kamoi
• - 24th (Tue) - Tsukaguchi
• - 25th (Wed) - Minami-Gyotoku
• - 26th (Thu) - Fujieda, Tsurumi
• - 29th (Sun) - Tennoji, Kitami, Kamata, Takatsuki, Aeon Mall Kawaguchi, Shibuya Sports Center, Wako Wapia
• - 30th (Mon) - Shimoiiduka

July 2024

• - 21st (Monday, Holiday) - Funabashi, Oizumigakuen
• - 29th (Tue) - Kiba
• - 31st (Thu) - Ayase

Additionally, Tipness is collaborating with JSS Swimming School for workshops on:

• - May 25th (Sun) at JSS Swimming School Tateishi, Tokyo
• - June 15th (Sun) at JSS Swimming School Oyumino, Chiba

These workshops are open to media for coverage. Interested parties should contact the PR department in advance.

Community Outreach and Partnerships

In an effort to expand opportunities for children to learn crucial water safety skills, Tipness is not limited to hosting workshops exclusively within its facilities. Recognizing the dangers of drowning while fully clothed in natural bodies of water and that public pools generally prohibit such practices, Tipness is actively working with local governments and educational institutions to offer off-site workshops at schools. By doing so, they're enhancing the accessibility of water safety training in the community, striving to mitigate the risks associated with water activities.

Past Workshop Successes: A Case Study

On May 12, 2024, a Clothed Swimming Workshop was successfully held at Sakamoto Elementary School, where 45 third-grade students participated. Invited guest speaker Kyoko Iwasaki, a gold medalist from the Barcelona Olympics and a project leader for the initiative to promote clothed swimming, engaged students in practical exercises.

Students learned about the difficulties of moving in water while fully clothed and the critical actions to take if they ever find themselves in a water emergency. By using life jackets, they experienced how to float and maintain their breathing even without knowing how to swim.

For more information about hosting workshops in your area, please contact Tipness' School Business Planning Department at [email protected].