Safety Alert for Water Leisure Activities... "Surfboard is the Most Dangerous"

An Average of 55 Cases Per Year Over the Past 3 Years
Last Year Saw a 34.7% Increase Compared to the Previous Year

As the first summer vacation season after the recovery of daily life approaches, the Consumer Agency has issued a safety accident advisory, anticipating an increase in water leisure users at the sea or rivers.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency on the 1st, a total of 166 water leisure-related accidents were reported to the Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) over the past three years (2020?2022). Among these, last year recorded 66 cases, a 35% increase compared to the previous year. Water leisure safety accidents occurred most frequently during the summer months of June to August (42.8%, 71 cases), followed by autumn from September to November (33.2%, 55 cases). By age group, people in their 20s accounted for 44.6% (70 cases) and those in their 30s for 26.7% (42 cases), making young adults the majority (82.2%) of water leisure participants.

The water leisure equipment involved in accidents was led by surfboards at 59% (98 cases), followed by water skis and wakeboards at 9.7% (16 cases) and 4.8% (8 cases), respectively. In the case of surfboards, most accidents (80.6%) involved collisions with the board after falling while surfing, and for water skis, half of the injuries were caused by collisions with the towing boat or equipment during use.

Injuries from accidents most commonly affected the head or face at 40.4% (67 cases), followed by the buttocks, legs, and feet at 20.5% (34 cases), and arms or hands at 16.9% (28 cases). The types of injuries included lacerations at 34.9% (58 cases), fractures at 21.7% (36 cases), and contusions at 15.7% (26 cases).

A representative from the Consumer Agency emphasized, "To prevent water leisure safety accidents, it is essential to wear safety equipment such as life jackets during water activities," and urged, "Please conduct equipment checks before engaging in water activities and strictly observe prohibited zones for water leisure activities."

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