[2020 National Audit] Beach Visitors Decreased by 63% This Year... But Fatal Accidents Increased

Choi In-ho "Urgent Need for Accident Prevention Measures Such as CCTV Installation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] This year, the number of visitors to beaches decreased by 63% due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but the number of casualties actually increased.

According to data received by Choi In-ho, a member of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Forestry, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, as of October 5 this year, the total number of beach visitors nationwide was 26.78 million, a 63% decrease compared to 71.57 million in 2019. On the other hand, casualties increased by 2, from 82 in 2019 to 84 in 2020. While Busan (51 → 30) and other regions (19 → 17) saw decreases, Gangwon Province showed an increase from 12 to 37.

In particular, deaths during the closed season rose sharply from 2 in 2019 to 6 in 2020. Two deaths each occurred at Dadaepo Beach in Busan and Hajodae Beach in Yangyang-gun, and one death each at Mallipo Beach in Taean-gun and Dogu Beach in Pohang City.

Assemblyman Choi said, “Due to the amendment of the Beach Use Management Act in 2019, swimming became possible even during the closed season, which has led to an increase in accidents,” and added, “It is urgent to establish accident prevention measures such as expanding CCTV installation or deploying safety personnel during the closed season.”