Lifesaving is a volunteer activity aimed at preventing swimming accidents and saving drowning people. Some of its techniques have been transformed into sports. At present, about 2,500 members are registered with the Japan Lifesaving Association and 36million with the International Lifesaving Association. Of some 20 varieties of lifesaving-related sports, such as rowing, running and swimming, the most spectacular is called "beach flags" in which competitors retrieve a hose planted in the sand 20 meters away from where they start from a prone position on their stomach. Yasutoshi Kujirai, 29, is currently the world champion in this event.
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