West Sea Coast Guard Cheong Hosts National Lifeguard Qualification Exam in March

Plan for 12 sessions at 3 test centers including Jeonju until November... Active as safety experts upon certification

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] The national qualification exam for water rescuers, which was temporarily suspended last year to prevent and block COVID-19 infections, will be held starting next month.

According to the West Sea Regional Coast Guard Agency (Chief Jung Bong-hoon) on the 15th, for the convenience of applicants from Gwangju and Jeonnam/Jeonbuk regions, the water rescuer qualification exam will be conducted under the supervision of the West Sea Coast Guard on March 21 at Jeonju Wansan Swimming Pool, and 12 sessions are planned to be held at three test centers within the West Sea Coast Guard jurisdiction, including Gwangju and Yeosu, until November.

Those who obtain the water rescuer qualification administered by the Korea Coast Guard can work as rescue and safety managers at beaches, inland waters, water leisure businesses, swimming pools, water parks, ships, marinas, and more. Additionally, they can serve as elementary school survival swimming instructors designated by the Ministry of Education and as safety education specialists under the Basic Act on the Promotion of National Safety Education.

The exam consists of seven practical subjects including swimming techniques, comprehensive rescue, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and liferaft utilization methods. Detailed information such as the exam announcement can be found on the Korea Coast Guard’s Water Rescuer Comprehensive Information site.

Jung Young-jin, Head of Rescue Safety Division at the West Sea Coast Guard, stated, “Water rescuers are professionals who protect the lives and safety of the public on the water. As the marine leisure population is explosively increasing, we plan to strictly manage the national qualification exam that guarantees public safety and provide maximum support for strengthening the capabilities and education of professionals.”

Meanwhile, since the first water rescuer exam was held in 2017, about 55 people have obtained the certification annually within the West Sea jurisdiction. Last year, due to COVID-19, only 5 out of the scheduled 12 exams were conducted, with 73 people passing.

The West Sea Coast Guard will prioritize COVID-19 prevention by closely cooperating with local governments and health centers in conducting this year’s exams.

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