The Japan Coast Guard and local private lifeguards conducted their first joint rescue training using drones and a new rescue app in Yokosuka [1, 2].
This initiative aims to reduce sea accidents during the Golden Week holiday period. Marine leisure activities typically increase during this time, leading to a higher risk of emergencies and drifting victims [1, 2].
The training, which took place around April 30, 2026, involved 23 participants [2]. The exercise simulated a scenario involving a drifting victim to test the coordination between government officials and private safety personnel. By integrating drone technology, the teams were able to locate victims more quickly than traditional shore-based observation allows [1, 2].
Alongside the technical drills, the Yokosuka Coast Guard unit and lifeguards conducted beach patrols. These patrols were designed to promote safety awareness among visitors and provide immediate warnings about hazardous water conditions [1, 2].
The newly developed rescue app serves as a critical communication link during these operations. The app allows for the rapid sharing of location data and status updates between the Coast Guard and the private lifeguard teams, a coordination effort that has not been formally practiced in this joint capacity previously [1, 2].
Officials said the training focused on the transition from spring to the Golden Week peak. This specific window is identified as a high-risk period for maritime accidents due to the surge in tourists and recreational boaters visiting the coastal regions of Japan [1, 2].
“The training involved 23 participants simulating a drifting victim scenario.”
The shift toward joint training between government agencies and private lifeguards reflects a broader strategy to modernize emergency response in Japan. By leveraging drones and dedicated software, the Japan Coast Guard is reducing the 'detection gap'—the time between a person going missing and their discovery—which is the most critical factor in survival rates for drifting victims.
