Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters: "It's Hot Again This Year, Beware of Drowning, Heat-Related Illnesses, and Water Play Accidents!"

The 119 Citizen Lifeguard Team of the Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters is providing emergency first aid to a person in need.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters has urged caution regarding various summer illnesses and accidents as the intense heat begins in July.

According to the headquarters' 119 dispatch statistics over the past three years, an average of 70.7 water rescue operations were conducted in July, marking a high rate of 78.7% compared to the monthly average of 39.6 cases.

Last year, there were a total of 351 fire-related activities related to heavy rain in the province besides water rescues. Although there were no casualties, basements of buildings, markets, and vehicles were submerged, and a factory retaining wall collapsed, causing 100 tons of soil to be washed away.

The Fire Headquarters emphasized, "During the rainy season and heavy rains, small streams, underpasses, and storm drains can rapidly flood, leading to accidents," and advised, "Inspect these areas in advance before the rain starts and avoid approaching or working on-site once it begins."

The headquarters also explained that last year, a total of 95 patients suffered from heat-related illnesses, including 41 cases of heat exhaustion, 25 of heatstroke, 19 of heat cramps, and 10 of heat syncope.

According to this year's heatwave impact forecast, most areas in the province are expected to experience daily maximum perceived temperatures above 31 degrees Celsius for the foreseeable future, increasing the likelihood of heat-related illnesses.

The headquarters urged, when a heatwave is forecasted, to ▲ refrain from outdoor work between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., the hottest hours ▲ avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcoholic drinks ▲ drink water or ion beverages to stay hydrated.

They stressed that elderly people over 65 have reduced sweat glands, making temperature regulation through sweating less effective, and chronic disease patients have a diminished normal response to external temperatures, requiring extra caution.

The Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters anticipates an increase in vacationers compared to last year due to the lifting of social distancing measures and is making every effort to prevent safety accidents, including operating the 119 Citizen Water Rescue Team.

A headquarters official said, "Before entering the water, perform sufficient warm-up exercises and wear a life jacket," and added, "Never enter areas where swimming is prohibited and avoid swimming after drinking alcohol."

Fire Chief Kim Jong-geun stated, "July is a time when weather conditions become diverse and outdoor activities increase, so safety must be given extra attention," and added, "Please check weather forecasts in advance and follow safety rules carefully to avoid unexpected accidents."

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