Gyeonggi Fire Department: "Water Safety Accidents Will Not Happen"

The Gyeonggi Province Fire and Disaster Management Headquarters announced on the 12th that it will implement water safety accident prevention measures for July and August as summer approaches.

To this end, the province plans to maintain or newly install hazard signs at 643 locations including rivers, streams, reservoirs, and recreation areas across the province.

Additionally, the province plans to deploy approximately 200 119 civilian water rescue personnel to 12 accident-prone water recreation areas including Sanjeong Lake in Pocheon, Jebu Island Beach in Hwaseong, Geummole Recreation Area in Yeoju, and Daeseong National Tourism Complex in Gapyeong to ensure the safety of swimmers.

In particular, safety education including cardiopulmonary resuscitation will be conducted for visitors at these 12 locations so that citizens can be prepared for potential accidents.

In July and August last year, 7 people died in water accidents in the province and 28 were rescued after falling into water, with approximately 1,000 people receiving rescue and safety measures. In 2005 and 2004, there were 8 and 56 deaths respectively, and 10 and 42 injuries.

An official from the headquarters stated, "Water accidents mainly occur due to poor swimming skills, drinking alcohol, or failure to follow safety regulations," and added, "If people perform sufficient warm-up exercises before entering the water and simply follow the guidance of hazard signs and safety personnel, they will be able to enjoy water activities without major accidents."