Series of Safety Accidents... 2 Dead, 1 Seriously Injured
"Rumors Spread Even to Remote Areas... Safety Management Limits"
Discussion Planned to Ban Diving in Hazardous Areas
As more tourists visit the seaside to dive in Jeju, safety accidents are also occurring.
On the 20th, Yonhap News Agency cited Jeju Island, reporting, "Since last month, during the summer vacation season, diving accidents have continuously occurred at beaches and fishing ports, resulting in 2 deaths and 1 serious injury."
According to the report, on the 15th of last month, a man in his 20s was seriously injured while diving at Hamdeok Beach in Jeju City and later died while receiving treatment at the hospital. Shortly after, on the 31st, a man in his 50s suffered a severe head injury after hitting the bottom while diving at Wolryeong Fishing Port in Hallim-eup, Jeju City. Additionally, on the 17th, a man in his 30s died due to a diving accident at Seogial Beach in Gimnyeong, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City.
Recently, the number of people diving has been increasing around Jeju, including Pyoseon Salt Field Beach, Yongdam Fishing Port, and Samyang Fishing Port. A trend is spreading where people capture their diving moments to take 'Insaeng Shots' (the best photos taken in one's life).
A Jeju Island official explained, "There is a significant difference in water depth between high tide and low tide at fishing ports and other areas," adding, "If someone blindly jumps headfirst, they may collide with the bottom due to shallow water, causing accidents." The official also expressed concern, saying, "Coastal areas that are rarely visited are being introduced as water play spots on social networking services (SNS), which limits safety management."
Currently, Jeju Island has deployed safety personnel at 19 coastal areas, including Panpo Fishing Port. Volunteer disaster prevention groups and government officials patrol the coastal fishing ports.
Next month, through meetings with related agencies, plans to prohibit diving in dangerous areas such as fishing ports will be discussed. Even after the beaches close next month, 42 safety management personnel will be deployed at 12 designated beaches for 15 days, and 385 safety management personnel along with 60 119 Citizen Water Rescue Teams will be stationed in coastal areas.
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