Jeju Province to Continue Safety Management Even After Beach Season Ends

156 Safety Personnel Deployed Until the 28th
Emphasis on Wearing Life Jackets and Following Safety Guidelines

Many people are enjoying water activities at Sinheung-ri Beach in Jeju City. Photo by Park Changwon.

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province will strengthen water safety management even after the official closure of beaches. This decision comes as the recent lingering heat is expected to bring many visitors to beaches, rivers, and coastal areas for water activities.

On September 2, Jeju Province announced that it will extend the deployment of 156 safety personnel at 40 major water activity locations until the 28th. Specifically, 66 personnel will be stationed at 12 beaches, 38 at 9 rivers, and 52 at 19 coastal areas to maintain on-site safety management and continue accident prevention activities.

The province is particularly focused on the recent increase in snorkeling-related safety accidents. Of the six water activity-related fatalities this summer, three occurred during snorkeling. Snorkeling fatalities happened in succession over about a month: starting at Gwakji Beach on July 25, followed by Segial Port in Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup on August 20, and the coast of Seongsan Ilchulbong on August 31.

The main causes have been identified as not wearing life jackets, failure to follow safety guidelines, and leaving designated safe swimming areas. Snorkeling involves many risk factors, including currents, waves, water depth, and physical exhaustion, so both beginners and experienced individuals are urged to exercise caution.

In response, on September 1, the province held an emergency safety meeting with relevant agencies such as the Coast Guard and Fire Department. During the meeting, they emphasized the importance of strictly following safety rules: mandatory wearing of life jackets for water activity and snorkeling participants, adhering to the buddy system, thoroughly checking equipment in advance, entering the water only after checking weather conditions, and prohibiting entry after drinking alcohol.

Additionally, the province plans to install more information boards and banners in areas with frequent accidents and implement access restrictions in hazardous zones. Patrols by on-site safety personnel will also be strengthened to provide real-time safety guidance and ongoing public awareness for visitors engaging in water activities.

The Coast Guard and local administrations will actively promote diving and snorkeling safety precautions and compliance requirements through their official websites and social media channels. They will continue efforts to ensure that both residents and tourists prioritize water safety at all times.

Cho Sangbeom, Director of Safety and Health, stated, "Although the beaches are officially closed, the continued influx of water activity visitors due to the lingering heat means we are taking every precaution with safety management." He added, "Especially with snorkeling, accidents can have fatal consequences, so I urge both residents and tourists to strictly adhere to all safety guidelines."