Recent Accidents and Tragic Deaths Continue
As the summer vacation season intensifies, water-related accidents are occurring frequently across the country. On July 25-26, three tourists snorkeling at Gwakji Beach and Sehwa Port in Jeju Island were swept away by high waves and died.
The situation escalated due to people entering the water despite weather warnings issued.
On the 9th of the same month, four people in their 20s were swept away by rapid currents while participating in water activities in the upper reaches of the Geumgang River in Geumsan County, Chungcheongnam-do. The accident occurred in an area where swimming was prohibited, and it could have been prevented had safety regulations been followed in advance.
The Risk of Water-Related Accidents According to Statistics
According to statistics from the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, there have been 112 deaths related to water activities over the past five years.
Among these, 31 people lost their lives in late July alone, making it the most dangerous time of the year. The majority of accidents occurred in rivers and valleys, accounting for 65%, followed by beach incidents.
In terms of causes, 37% of cases involved not wearing life jackets, 34% were due to swimming incompetence, and 17% involved water activities after drinking. Notably, accidents among children under 9 and seniors over 70 are prominent, highlighting the need for extra caution from guardians.
Common Mistakes and Preventive Measures
Water-related accidents usually begin with minor lapses in attention. Typical behaviors include not wearing life jackets, entering prohibited areas, and going into the water after drinking.
Moreover, children often end up in deeper waters while chasing after tubes, toys, or shoes.
Experts emphasize the basic rules of wearing life jackets, prohibiting water activities after drinking, avoiding water areas during weather warnings, and ensuring children are accompanied by guardians. If a drowning person is spotted, it is advisable to call 119 and attempt to rescue them with safety equipment such as floats or ropes, rather than jumping in directly.
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