What to Be Careful of During Diving by Elderly Jeju Haenyeo...

Aging Population Accounts for 76% of Accidents Among Those Over 70
104 Cases in the Last 5 Years, Averaging Over 20 Annually... 100% Increase Compared to Previous Year

Accidents related to haenyeo (female divers) in the Jeju region have been occurring continuously throughout the year, with most incidents concentrated among the elderly.

Over the past five years (2019?2023), a total of 104 haenyeo safety accidents have occurred in Jeju Island, averaging more than 20 cases annually. In 2023, there were 34 cases, representing a 100% increase compared to the previous year (17 cases). The Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters announced on the 12th that it will issue a safety accident warning for haenyeo during their work starting on the 14th.

(This photo is not directly related to the article.) [Photo by Yonhap News]

Last year, there were a total of 34 haenyeo safety accidents, doubling compared to the previous year (17 cases). By month, October accounted for 14.4% (15 cases), May 12.5% (13 cases), and January, March, June, and November each accounted for 10.6% (11 cases), indicating that accidents occurred throughout all periods. By type of accident, cardiac arrest during diving was the most common at 35.6% (37 cases), followed by dizziness at 21.1% (22 cases), and falls at 18.3% (19 cases).

In particular, due to the aging of haenyeo, those aged 70 and above accounted for 76% of the total 79 cases. Specifically, ages 70?74 accounted for 29 cases (27.9%), 75?79 for 26 cases (25.0%), and 80 and above for 24 cases (23.1%).

The Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters plans to strengthen accident prevention publicity by spreading safety rules, establish a cooperative system with related organizations, and enhance response levels such as rapid dispatch readiness. They will also build a cooperative system with related organizations to enable quick dispatch.

Jeju Haenyeo Tewak
Photo by Yonhap News

The Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters will continue to promote the importance of initial emergency treatment before the arrival of the 119 ambulance team and provide emergency treatment education such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to fishermen.

Gominja, head of the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters, urged, "For each other's safety, always work together with colleagues and above all, check your physical condition and refrain from overexerting yourself during work."

Meanwhile, in 2019, the unique haenyeo culture of Jeju Island was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The Cultural Heritage Administration reported that the Intangible Heritage Committee highly evaluated the registration of ‘Jeju Haenyeo Culture’ for symbolizing the region’s unique cultural identity, maintaining a sustainable environment in harmony with nature, and the transmission of related knowledge and skills through the community.

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