Beware of Breaking Ice Even on Frozen Rivers... An Average of 1,440 Rescues Annually

1,372 Rescued and 156 Dead Over Three Years
Beware of Falling Through Ice as Temperatures Rise After Cold Snaps
Winter Water Accidents Pose High Risk of Hypothermia

Water-related accidents, commonly regarded as a summer hazard, have been found to occur frequently even during this time of year when the cold snap subsides. As ice thaws and breaks, incidents involving falling through ice have become more common, with an average of 1,440 winter water rescue operations taking place annually.

The National Fire Agency announced on February 13 that, according to nationwide rescue activity statistics, there were a total of 4,321 water-related rescue operations between December and February over the past three years, averaging 1,440 cases per year. The total number of people rescued was 1,372, while 156 people died, meaning an average of 52 fatalities per year due to winter water-related accidents. Notably, the majority of rescue operations occurred in January and February, rather than in December.

Provided by the National Fire Agency

On January 14 in Daegu, a water-related accident occurred due to breaking ice. While playing on a frozen reservoir, a middle school student died while trying to rescue friends who had fallen into the water after the ice broke. A representative from the National Fire Agency warned, "This period, when temperatures rise after a sudden cold snap, can be particularly dangerous. Please be extra cautious of water-related accidents such as falling through ice."

Winter water-related accidents are especially dangerous because, if a person becomes stranded in the water, the low temperatures and cold winds can more easily lead to hypothermia compared to other seasons. In such cases, the maximum survivable time may be significantly reduced. Hypothermia is classified as a drop in core body temperature (deep body temperature) below 35 degrees Celsius.

Fire stations nationwide conduct annual training to prepare for winter water-related accidents. The training includes: ▲ responding to hypothermia and providing first aid to drowning victims ▲ using ropes for signaling and handling dangerous situations ▲ various ice rescue techniques utilizing different equipment ▲ scenario-based drills simulating drowning incidents during the thawing season.

Kim Jaeun, head of the Rescue Division at the National Fire Agency, emphasized, "During the thawing season, ice may appear thick but can melt quickly, making it dangerous. Therefore, you should never enter restricted areas such as ice fishing spots, reservoirs, or ponds. Even if the weather is cold, do not light fires on the ice," he said. "Even when enjoying leisure activities in permitted areas, always wear a life jacket," he added.

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