Research on Methods of Preventing Children from Getting Lost at Beaches

摘要

At Oarai Sun Beach, one of the most popular bathing beaches in Japan, more than 500 children get lost every year. However, the only method employed at bathing beaches in Japan, including Oarai Sun Beach, to prevent children from getting lost is supervision of children by their guardians. Thus, a method that can be followed by beach management personnel is required. This study reports the results of a survey and analysis conducted with regard to developing a method of preventing children from getting lost and a method of quickly finding lost children as well as clarifies the reasons for children getting lost. It was found that in many cases, children get lost because they are distracted and lose sight of their guardians in specific areas, e.g., near the water and on the sandy shore, as well as in crowded areas.