Survival Skills That Helped 7-Year-Old Yamato Tanooka Survive 6 Days Lost in the Forest
Yamato Tanooka, a 7-year-old boy from Japan, made headlines after surviving nearly a week lost in a forest in Hokkaido. Left by his parents as a punishment for throwing stones, Yamato was found in good health and spirits, astonishing everyone who followed the story. His survival is a testament to his instinctive skills and the critical importance of teaching children basic survival techniques.
1. Finding a Safe Shelter and Staying Put
Yamato managed to find refuge in an abandoned military base about 5-7 kilometers from where his parents left him. His choice to seek a safe, dry, and warm place, and then stay put while waiting for rescue, was crucial. This strategy is essential for anyone who gets lost, and parents can teach their children to handle such situations using the four-step approach: stop, think, observe, and plan.
- Stop and Sit Down: As soon as they realize they’re lost, children should stop and sit to calm down.
- Think: They should assess what has happened. Practicing this before encountering real emergencies can help them stay calm.
- Observe: Children should look at their surroundings, recognize familiar landmarks, and check if they have any helpful items.
- Plan: They need to decide on actions, such as using a whistle or looking for nearby landmarks like police stations.
2. Overcoming Fear of the Dark
When found, Yamato was remarkably calm despite spending several nights in the dark forest. Teaching children to not fear darkness is another vital survival skill. For older children, activities like playing outside in the evening can help. For younger kids, playing in the backyard at night or indoors with the lights off can be beneficial. This exposure helps them become comfortable with darkness and reduces fear.
3. Finding Safe Water Sources
During his ordeal, Yamato did not have access to food but found a water source near the base. Learning how to find and purify water is essential for survival. Parents should teach their children to identify safe water sources, and practice finding and purifying water during camping trips or outdoor activities. This skill is crucial as contaminated water can pose serious health risks.
4. Keeping Warm
The temperature in the forest could drop to 7°C at night. Yamato showed remarkable resourcefulness by using two mattresses to keep warm. Teaching children how to stay warm in cold conditions, such as finding insulation or using clothing effectively, is crucial. This knowledge helps them manage situations like hunger or extreme temperatures, ensuring they can care for themselves in challenging conditions.
These survival skills not only helped Yamato survive but are also essential life lessons for any child. By learning these techniques early on, children can become more independent and better prepared for unexpected situations.
