With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees these days, many people are heading to the beach to cool down. But the growing number of beach-goers is also leading to a rising number of water-related accidents. Mike Laidman reports on how to stay safe at the seaside this summer.

Report

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Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Seogwipo

When temperatures are this high and the air is humid there are few better places to be than the beach. A cool dip in the sea is refreshing and invigorating. But with so many people heading to the island’s beaches, they tend to get a little crowded.

Interview
Ju Hwa-young, Kim Dae-il / Seoul
It’s nice and cool here at the beach, despite the hot summer weather.
<인터뷰 : 주화영 김대일 / 서울특별시>
"무더운 여름에 바닷가 앞에 와서 앉아있으니까 시원하고 좋네요."

And depending on the weather, there are often large waves rolling towards the shore, meaning an inexperienced swimmer can be swept away in only seconds.

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More people being swept away by waves

On Friday, two tourists were rescued after having been washed out by big waves along Jungmun Saekdal Beach.

A day earlier, on the 6th, just off Seongcheon Port (성천포구), four tourists were rescued by the coast guard after their boat was overturned by high waves.

A similar accident was reported last month when another boat was swamped.

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Hyeong Gwang-hoon

When the waves are high, it’s best to get out of the water and follow instructions from the lifeguards.

Interview
Lee Chang-hoon / Jungmun Saekdal Beach
When there are large waves, you should follow the instructions given by lifeguards and stay on the beach.
<인터뷰 : 이창훈 / 중문색달해변 종합상황실장>
"(높은 파도가 치는) 날에는 안전요원들의 통제를 따라서 가까운 해변에서만 물놀이를 하시면 안전한 물놀이를 즐길 수 있습니다."

[reporter]
Mike Laidman

Beach-goers should take extra precautions if there is a typhoon passing over or near the island, as waves can grow enormously in size and strength during these times.

Mike Laidman, KCTV