A vacationer drowned off a local beach that has just officially been closed. The accident could have been avoided if there are lifeguards
New regulations and fundamental measures are needed to respond quickly, if an accident occurs.
Joseph Kim reports.


[slug] Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Seogwipo on Sep. 7

Rescue workers searched for a missing vacationer who was swept out to sea on September 7th at (중문 색달) Jungmun Saekdal Beach.
The missing person was found dead the next day.

[slug] Closed beach with no lifeguards

Since local beaches were officially closed on September 1st, all of the lifeguards have been withdrawn.
Facilities and equipment for vacationers' safety have also been withdrawn.
The situation at other beaches are not different.

[slug] Hamdeok Beach

There are still many vacationers enjoying the waves.
But lifeguards and equipment have been almost completely withdrawn.
Authorities had charged a fine of 100,000 won for entering the water after the beach is closed.

[slug] Beach law revised to allow entering water all year around

But the Beach Utilization and Management Law was recently revised to allow people to enter the water all year around.

[slug] Realistic safety measures needed
Some point out that new safety measures are needed to reflect the reality of weather and features of the island.


[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Jwa Sang-eun
[Picture/Video] Courtesy of Yu Byeong-gyu

For beachgoers' safety, new regulations and fundamental measures are needed to respond quickly if an accident occurs all year round.
Joseph Kim, KCTV