The city of Donghae announced Wednesday that no water-related fatalities were recorded at its beaches this summer, following the closure of Mangsang, Chuam and other swimming beaches on Monday.
The result extends the city's streak to four consecutive years without a single water fatality at its beaches.
Expecting beachgoers to continue visiting after the official season ends, the city said it will maintain enhanced water safety management through Sept. 13.
Safety personnel will be stationed at six beaches — Mangsang, Resort, Nobong, Daejin, Eodal and Chuam — to discourage swimming and restrict access to hazardous zones.
The Korea Coast Guard and city officials will also conduct joint weekend patrols, with safety broadcasts and swimming restrictions to be activated quickly if weather conditions deteriorate.
The city particularly urged visitors to refrain from entering the water after the official season closes, noting that lifeguard staffing and rescue equipment are reduced during the post-season period. Beachgoers were asked to follow weather updates and the guidance of on-site safety personnel.
Meanwhile, total summer visitors to Donghae's beaches this year fell about 25 percent compared with the same period last year.
The city attributed the decline to a prolonged heat wave with daytime highs approaching 40 degrees Celsius, which discouraged midday beach use and drew visitors toward nighttime beach outings or indoor and shaded attractions such as Cheongok Golden Bat Cave.
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