Water Rescue Unit
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
When the bell rings, the water rescue unit's world briefly comes to a halt. As the loudspeaker relays the site of the accident, rescuers prepare for action. They arrive at the scene quickly, speeding at nearly 60 kilometers per hour along the Han River. Already wearing diving suits and bearing equipment, the rescuers jump in without hesitation ― even the smallest amount of time is essential because water disasters can come to an end within five minutes.
In the heart of Seoul, Gwangjin and Yeongdeungpo district emergency stations stand prepared to answer calls for help. Formed in 1997, the 13-man squad at Yeongdeungpo Station includes two sailors and two engineers. Most of the members have experience in the military's special forces. The squad is renowned for tough, physical stamina and is ready to face various water-related emergencies.
Yeongdeungpo is responsible for the 21.1 kilometer-wide distance between Banpo and Sinhaengju bridges, which is watched in two shifts over a 24-hour period. Yeongdeungpo's longest dispatch to the farthest distance in the jurisdiction takes only 10 minutes to reach. This summer, the emergency station branch is preparing for rescues in the most central, inaccessible part of the area.
``More citizens are coming to Han River parks, especially after the Han River Renaissance,'' said Yoo Geon-chul, a member of the Yeongdeungpo water rescue unit. ``Thus, it's important times for us. We are not only rescuing citizens but holding educational programs for citizens. A Han River Emergency Station is also in the planning.''
``Firemen use it whenever they leave. It is a little tiring to be submersed in the environment from dawn, but we have pride in our mission. You understand how valuable your work is when you save a life through CPR or when a family visits to say thank you,'' said Oh Kwae-bong, 39, a fireman with 10 years of experience under his belt.
Watching over the wide Han River between two emergency stations may seem like difficult work, but throwing aside self-concern to save a citizen fills these rescuers with a passion that makes them come alive.
Back on the scene, the firefighters run silently toward the citizens they have vowed to protect.
