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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo

Japan deploys artificial intelligence to detect rip currents as beach season hots up

People relax on Yuigahama Beach in Kamakura, Japan.
People relax on Yuigahama Beach in Kamakura, Japan. The beach will see AI technology help identify rip currents and warn bathers. Photograph: Carl Court/Getty Images

Early July is the cue for Japanese surfers and sun seekers to descend on beaches across the country – and one beach on the Pacific coast is turning to artificial intelligence to ensure that their time in the water is without incident.

Officials in Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo, have introduced an AI system to identify rip currents – which cause 60% of drowning deaths – and send a warning to bathers and lifeguards, according to the Mainichi Shimbun.

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