KMA Warns Beachgoers to Beware of 'Ianryu' Rip Currents

If caught in a rip current while in shallow waters, you can be swept out to the open sea in an instant
Last August, 20 people were rescued from a rip current at Haeundae

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has warned vacationers visiting beaches during the holiday season to be cautious of rip currents.

On the 22nd, the KMA urged, "During the holiday season at beaches, there is a risk of being swept out to the open sea by rip currents, so caution is necessary."

A rip current refers to a flow where waves break near the shore and converge into one area, then quickly flow out to the open sea through a narrow channel. If caught in a rip current while in shallow water, one can be rapidly pushed out into deep water.

Over 140 people were rescued from a rip current that occurred in Haeundae on August 4, 2012. (Photo by Korea Meteorological Administration)

The area where rip currents most frequently occur is Haeundae. In 2012, about 140 people and in 2017, about 70 people were rescued from rip current incidents. On August 13 last year, around 20 people were swept away by a rip current near Tower No. 8 at Haeundae and were rescued.

Rip currents can suddenly occur even when the waves are calm or the weather is clear, so caution is necessary. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, since 2013, a total of 10,001 people have been rescued from rip currents.

The KMA provides a rip current prediction information system at beaches including Busan Haeundae, Seogwipo Jungmun, Yangyang Naksan, Daecheon, Wando Sinjimyeongsasipri, and Gangneung Gyeongpo, Gangmun, and Anmok. The possibility of rip current occurrence is classified into four levels (Safe, Caution, Alert, Danger) and is announced accordingly. This information can be checked on the KMA Weather Nuri and Marine Weather Information Portal.

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