Gyeonggi-do 119 Citizen Water Rescue Team, Standing Tall as 'Safety Guardians' for Summer Water Accidents

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Over the past 10 years, there have been no drowning deaths reported in areas where Gyeonggi-do's '119 Citizen Water Rescue Team' has been operating.

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on the 3rd that from July 1 to August 31, the 119 Citizen Water Rescue Team, composed of firefighters, volunteer firefighters, and volunteers, operated at 26 locations including rivers, streams, valleys, and lakes within the province. During this period, they rescued three people who had fallen into the water and achieved results including ▲1 hospital transfer ▲93 emergency treatments ▲2,822 safety measures.

On August 3, at Yongmuncheon in Yangpyeong, a resident (49 years old) and their pet dog, who were being swept away by rapid currents, were rescued by patrolling 119 Citizen Water Rescue Team members. Earlier, on July 16, children (8 and 6 years old) who had fallen into the water while playing at Baeteo Recreation Area in Gapyeong were rescued by the Citizen Water Rescue Team. On the 31st of the same month, a resident (60 years old) who was injured after falling from a rock at Yongmuncheon in Yangpyeong was found by the Citizen Water Rescue Team, received emergency treatment, and was transported to the hospital.

Hong Jang-pyo, the Safety Officer of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "This summer as well, the 119 Citizen Water Rescue Team has played a vital role in protecting the safety of the residents," and emphasized, "We will strive to operate an even more solid Citizen Water Rescue Team next year."

The Fire and Disaster Headquarters plans to award commendations from the Governor of Gyeonggi-do to the 119 Citizen Water Rescue Team members who contributed to preventing safety accidents and responding swiftly on-site. A total of 27 recipients were selected, including 3 firefighters and 24 civilians. The award ceremony will be held in November.