Half of the water-related accidents that occurred over the past three years (2023–2025) were recorded from July to September. The overlap of the summer vacation season and periods of heavy rain is seen as the reason.
On Jul. 7, the National Fire Agency said the monthly average number of water-related accidents was highest in July at 2,587. It was followed by August with 1,753 and September with 883.
Flooding was the most common type of water-related accident. More than 2,000 cases occurred every year. Water-play accidents were also numerous, with 928 cases in 2023, 1,273 in 2024, and 950 in 2025.
The National Fire Agency noted that various other types of water-related accidents are occurring, including drifting on the water, valley and swift-current accidents, vehicle plunges and submersions, and ship distress, so extra caution is needed not only for water-play safety but also during heavy rain.
In particular, when heavy rain is expected or a weather advisory is in effect, people should not approach areas at risk of flooding, such as riverside walkways, valleys, underpasses, and riverbed parking lots. Because a sudden rise in water can quickly lead to isolation or swift-current accidents, when danger is anticipated, move immediately to a safe place.
The National Fire Agency operates 119 Citizen Water Rescue Teams at major water-play sites and in areas at risk of water-related accidents nationwide. It said it will undertake safety management at 79 beaches, 11 shorelines, 79 rivers, 9 reservoirs, 39 large rivers, 53 valleys, and 5 other locations.
Acting Commissioner Choi Yong-chul of the National Fire Agency said, "July and August are periods when the risk of water-related accidents rises as more people go to the water and heavy rain overlaps," and urged, "Please check weather conditions frequently, avoid approaching dangerous areas, and always follow basic safety rules such as wearing a life jacket during water play."