#Japan #Kyoto #water safety #Japan Lifesaving Association #e-Lifesaving

Japan Lifesaving Association Launches 2025-2026 Campaign

On April 19, 2025, the Japan Lifesaving Association (JLA), led by Chairman Takuya Iriya, held a comprehensive meeting to kick off its 2025-2026 initiative aimed at reducing water-related accidents. This crucial meeting brought together provincial associations and specialized committees nationwide to share strategies and address the current challenges in achieving zero accidents by the water. The JLA emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to create safer environments.

To bolster its water safety message, the JLA is launching the 2025 Water Safety Campaign, which started last year with a thematic focus on preventing aquatic accidents. This year marks the inaugural kick-off event at the picturesque Yuhi-kaura Beach in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture, aligning with the global awareness celebration of World Drowning Prevention Day.

The campaign highlights two crucial weeks: the Zero Water Accidents Week, following World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, and the Don't Drink and Swim Week to educate the public on the risks of swimming under influence. The campaign's duration will run from June 15 to August 31, 2025.

Key Events in the Campaign

• - Kick-off Event: June 21, 2025, at Yuhi-kaura Beach, Kyotango City, celebrated during the Life Spark Beach Festival.
• - Zero Water Accidents Week: July 11 to July 25. This week not only raises awareness about drowning risks but coincides with World Drowning Prevention Day, creating ideal opportunities for outreach and education.
• - Don’t Drink and Swim Week: August 1 to August 17, aiming to emphasize safe behaviors around water during the festive summer months.

e-Lifesaving Program to Boost Knowledge

Understanding how to prevent drowning is crucial for everyone, especially during the summer when more people engage in water activities. The JLA stresses that individuals, including both young and adults, should be well-informed about drowning risks, control water features personally, and practice the right actions to avoid such disasters.

To promote safety, the JLA has launched a free online program called e-Lifesaving that offers engaging content for all ages, allowing users to learn about water safety while enjoying their experiences. This initiative serves not only the public but can also be integrated into educational contexts for teachers.

Check it out here!

The JLA operates as a comprehensive organization, including various departments and specialized committees working toward its vision of eliminating water-related accidents nationwide. Beyond personal safety education, the association conducts essential monitoring and rescue operations across beaches, oversees the development of lifesavers, and facilitates certification programs through the JLA Academy. Competitions in lifesaving sports further enhance community engagement and awareness.

For more information on water safety, the Japan Lifesaving Association’s website provides valuable resources, including safety guidelines, educational material for schools, and outlines of JLA initiatives here.

Through its structured approach and community-oriented philosophy, the JLA continues to strive towards a safer future by the water for everyone, ensuring that summer activities can be enjoyed without fear of the hidden dangers that water may hold.