#Japan #Tokyo #Obore 100 #Sea Safety Project #Drowning Awareness

'Obore 100': A New initiative for Drowning Prevention

The Nippon Foundation's Ocean Preparedness Project has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative called 'Obore 100', aimed at reducing water-related accidents. This initiative, published today on their official website and Instagram, intends to promote self-awareness among individuals regarding drowning risks and to foster societal collaboration in sharing drowning experience data.

This content is accessible to various stakeholders including media, educators, and local government officials, underscoring its role in raising awareness about drowning prevention. It forms part of the Nippon Foundation's 'Ocean and Japan Project', which seeks to connect individuals through marine experiences and ensure that future generations inherit the beauty of the ocean.

The Purpose Behind 'Obore 100'

Over the years, public data on drowning incidents has focused predominantly on where and how many people drowned. However, there has been a significant lack of data concerning near-miss experiences or 'near-drowning incidents.' Recognizing this gap, the project aims to redefine what drowning means by analyzing both minor and severe drowning cases, collecting and analyzing data from 1,000 individuals who have experienced close calls in the water.

The near-miss investigation, inspired by Heinrich's Law, postulates that for every major accident, there are 29 minor incidents and 300 near-misses. By engaging those who have survived drowning experiences, the initiative keenly dissects contributing factors to these incidents through personal reports. This meticulous process not only highlights the circumstances leading to drowning but also endeavors to foster a deeper understanding and empathy in the community.

Goals of the 'Obore 100' Initiative

Through 'Obore 100', we seek to achieve three critical objectives:

1. Visualizing 'Entry Points' to Drowning: We aim to illustrate the scenarios and behaviors that precede drowning incidents to enhance public understanding and empathy.
2. Encouraging Personal Awareness: By prompting individuals to reflect on their own behaviors related to water safety, we hope to facilitate recognition and avoidance of impending dangers.
3. Promoting Data Sharing and Community Support: The initiative aspires to establish a framework for collecting and sharing drowning experiences within society, fostering a collective approach to water safety.

This approach emphasizes two-way communication, advocating for individuals to publicly share their near-drowning experiences to create a community-oriented perspective on safety. Through this communal sharing, we envision laying the groundwork for a society that prioritizes collaborative efforts in water safety initiatives.

Survey Details

The near-miss survey conducted from August 16 to 20, 2024 utilized an online questionnaire. It targeted individuals who have experienced or witnessed near-drowning incidents, capturing responses from across the nation. Key questions included:

• - The circumstances of drowning incidents.
• - The age of individuals at risk.
• - The sequence of events leading to the danger.
• - Underlying causes of near-drowning.
• - The presence of flotation devices.

Further insights from the survey can be accessed here.

Background on the Initiative

The project is a collaboration between the Umi Rai Environmental Foundation, the Japan Life Saving Association, and the Japan Drowning Rescue Association, led by the Nippon Foundation. This marks Japan’s first consortium project aimed at establishing new norms in marine preparedness over the span of three years. By challenging conventional approaches to water safety and utilizing accumulated scientific data, the initiative endeavors to cultivate a proactive mindset among citizens regarding drowning prevention.

More about this initiative is available at the Nippon Foundation’s Ocean Preparedness Project site. Also, learn more about the 'Ocean and Japan Project', which aims to enhance public engagement with marine conservation and to protect our oceans for future generations at the dedicated project website.