Choo Mi-ae Visits Yangpyeong Recreation Area: "Special Caution Needed for Children's Safety During Water Activities"

Choo Mi-ae, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, visited Gwangtan-ri Recreation Area in Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, on July 28 to inspect the operation status of the 119 Water Rescue Citizen Squad and to review the rescue and emergency response readiness for water-related accidents as the summer vacation season is in full swing.

Governor Choo first received reports from the 119 Water Rescue Citizen Squad stationed at Gwangtan-ri Recreation Area regarding the number of personnel on duty, patrol methods, and response procedures in the event of an accident. She also listened to the opinions of the on-site team members.

She then observed a rescue demonstration organized by the Yangpyeong Fire Station, which simulated the discovery of a drowning person. The demonstration utilized an unmanned surfboard for water rescue and a fire department drone capable of live disaster site video transmission and rescue support.

Governor Choo stated, "As the peak water recreation season has begun, I sincerely thank both the public and private sectors for working together to protect the safety of citizens and residents, and for your determination to safeguard even one person." She added, "Just like in today’s drill, I believe that prompt rescues will help to protect the lives and safety of our residents."

She continued, "I hope that after seeing today’s event, residents will also take extra care to protect their families—especially children—when coming out for water activities. Although safety officers will always do their best to safeguard you, it is just as important that each household resolves to ensure their own safety as well."

The unmanned surfboard used in the rescue demonstration can travel at speeds up to 7 meters per second and tow up to 1,000 kilograms. It is equipped with a self-righting function, allowing it to return to its upright position even if overturned. This makes it useful for quickly approaching drowning victims in situations where rescue personnel cannot reach them directly.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae is seen talking with firefighting officials on the 28th at Gwangtan-ri Amusement Park in Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

The fire department drone can fly for up to 29 minutes, transmit real-time video from disaster sites, and assist with rescue and supply delivery. Gyeonggi Province explained that, in the event of a water accident, the drone can be used to identify the accident site and deliver rescue equipment before the rescue team arrives or even tow victims directly.

Gyeonggi Province is operating the 119 Water Rescue Citizen Squad at 115 water recreation spots under the jurisdiction of 22 fire stations across the province from June 15 to September 15, a total of three months. Of these, 21 sites have permanently stationed squads, while 94 locations are managed through patrols.

An average of 122 personnel, including civilian safety officers certified in water rescue, work daily in the 119 Water Rescue Citizen Squad. They are deployed across 2 beaches, 57 rivers, 9 reservoirs, 21 large rivers, and 26 valleys, providing rescue services, safety guidance for water activities, and first aid education.

Meanwhile, Gwangtan-ri Recreation Area is 650 meters long and covers an area of 31,745 square meters, with river widths ranging from a minimum of 35 meters to a maximum of 75 meters, and a maximum depth of 8 meters. Approximately 12,000 people use the area annually for water recreation and car camping. From 2023 to 2025, a total of 58 water-related accidents occurred at Gwangtan-ri Recreation Area over the past three years, but there were no fatalities during this period.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.