As a summer heat wave grips the island, local beaches are crowded with those seeking to escape the scorching heat.
Beachgoers have to be cautious about dangerous rip currents, fast-moving channels of water, as they take people out to sea.
Joseph Kim reports.

Report


This is (중문) Jungmun Beach in Seogwipo.
Among the surfers, a woman in an inflatable tube is caught in the waves, floating awkwardly.
Soon a man in a black swimsuit approaches the woman.
He grabs her tube and goes through rough waters to bring her to the shallows.


She got caught in a rip current which moves directly away from the shore.
She narrowly avoided a potentially deadly situation.


Fortunately, an officer of the Jeju Coast Guard on his day off, found and rescued her.

As a summer heat wave grips the island, local beaches are crowded with those seeking to escape the scorching temperatures.

Beachgoers have to be cautious about dangerous rip currents, fast-moving channels of water, as they take people out to sea.


Rip currents can be hazardous to people in the water.
They can carry flotation devices and swimmers away in a minute.


Great weather for the beach does not always mean it’s safe to swim as rip currents often form on calm, sunny days.
If you get caught in a rip current, the best thing is to stay calm and signal for rescue. Do not try to swim directly against the flow of water.


Beachgoers are advised to pay attention to notices and signs about spots where rip currents frequently form, swim at beaches where lifeguards are present, and observe other beach safety tips.

Joseph Kim, KCTV