![The Daegu Fire and Safety Headquarters holds a launch ceremony and safety training for its 119 Citizen Water Rescue Team at the Gangjeongbo Diarc conference room and water safety experience center on June 20. [Provided by Daegu city government]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/23/news-p.v1.20260623.a79ae563280d4da3bfd5fd68c890118f_P1.jpg)
The Daegu Fire and Safety Headquarters said Tuesday it has launched its "119 Citizen Water Rescue Team" to prevent summer water accidents and build a rapid life-saving response system, with operations running through July 23.
This year, the rescue teams will be stationed at three major swimming areas in the city that draw heavy summer crowds: Sincheon Water Park, Dongchon Recreational Area and Dongsan Valley in Gunwi-gun.
The teams are made up of civilian volunteers, fire department civil servants and auxiliary firefighters. They will conduct on-site activities including safety guidance for swimmers, patrols to prevent water accidents, access control at hazardous areas and emergency first aid.
To sharpen its field response this year, the headquarters completed a launch ceremony and advance safety training for the rescue team on June 20 at the Gangjeongbo Diarc conference room and water safety experience center.
Throughout the operational period, the teams will step up life-saving and first-aid drills to prepare for emergencies such as drowning incidents, while also running ongoing safety awareness campaigns to encourage swimmers to follow safety rules.
Last year, the citizen water rescue teams handled 434 cases of on-site emergency first aid, two hospital transfers and 934 safety interventions, demonstrating their value as frontline guardians at swimming sites.
"We will manage safety at swimming sites even more carefully this year so that citizens can enjoy a safe summer," said Eom Jun-uk, chief of the Daegu Fire and Safety Headquarters.
kbj7653@heraldcorp.com
