Haeundae riptide sweeps more than 70 people out to sea

People swept 100 meters from shore by a riptide wait to be rescued at Haeundae Beach in Busan, Monday. / Yonhap

By Chyung Eun-ju

Strong riptides dragged over 70 people out to sea at Haeundae Beach in Busan on Monday, according to the city’s fire department.

The 119 Rescue Team got everyone to shore within 20 minutes, according to reports.

The incident occurred despite efforts to prevent riptides, which are dangerous currents that form near beaches. In June, city officials used barges and heavy equipment to put more sand on the seabed along the coast. And the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Administration extended its riptide surveillance hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 25.

On the morning of the incident, the fire department closed the beach. But the riptide happened an hour after the beach was reopened.

“Even excellent swimmers can be swept away by riptides,” maritime police said. “These currents happen suddenly and disappear in a beat, so it’s hard to foresee. If you are caught in a riptide, do not try to swim against it but just wait until the tide gets weak.”