Safety First: Essential Tips for Coastal Activities During Foggy Spring Days

[Inews24 reporter Lim Jeong-gyu] The Pyeongtaek Coast Guard in Gyeonggi Province announced on March 30 that it will place the coastal accident risk forecasting system on its "Attention" level for nine days, from March 31 through April 8, because the spring-tide period is expected to coincide with dense fog.

Spring tides occur when the Earth, moon and sun align, producing larger-than-usual tidal ranges. During this period, the incoming tide moves faster, sharply increasing the risk of becoming trapped on mudflats.

If dense spring fog accompanies the tides, people are at heightened risk of losing their bearings along the coasts near Pyeongtaek and Dangjin ports, the Seokmun seawall, and the coastal areas of Anseong and Hwaseong.

Accordingly, the Pyeongtaek Coast Guard said it will intensify safety oversight of the region’s primary coastal waters and other high-risk locations.

It urged the public to follow safety precautions: △ wear life jackets and other protective gear △ carry rescue tools such as a compass △ set tide-time alarms △ travel with at least one companion △ confirm restricted-access zones △ install the coastal navigation app "Haerod."

A Pyeongtaek Coast Guard official warned that when dense fog forms over mudflats or shorelines, people often lose their sense of direction and may enter danger zones or have their escape routes cut off. In fog-prone areas, refrain from clamming, marine operations and recreational activities, and monitor weather and tide conditions frequently.