Searching for Freshwater Snails: "Even Shallow Water Can Be Deadly," 11 Deaths Reported

▲ People gathering freshwater snails

Freshwater snails, often considered a summer health food, can be easily gathered in shallow, gravel-bottomed streams.

Even beginners can easily find them by feeling along the stream bed.

However, it is easy to fall into danger if you underestimate the water, even in areas that do not appear deep.

Many people get so absorbed in the fun of gathering snails that they wander into dangerous areas with strong currents or slip on mossy rocks and get swept away.

According to the National Fire Agency today (June 24), there were a total of 134 rescue dispatches related to freshwater snail gathering accidents between June and August over the past two years (2024–2025), resulting in 11 deaths.

Accidents are continuing to occur this year as well.

On June 22 at 4:03 p.m., a woman in her 60s, identified as A, fell into the water while gathering snails in a stream in Maegok-myeon, Yeongdong-gun, North Chungcheong Province. She was rescued by an acquaintance who was gathering snails with her and was transported to a hospital in a semi-conscious state.

It is reported that A fell into deeper water after losing her footing while gathering snails.

On May 30 at 5:44 p.m., a man in his 50s, identified as B, was found in cardiac arrest while gathering snails in a stream in Geumsan-gun, South Chungcheong Province.

The fire authorities, who were dispatched after receiving a report that "a person gathering snails with us is missing," transported B to a hospital, but he eventually passed away.

Experts warn that even in shallow areas, there are hidden dangers everywhere in the water.

Park Jeong-geun, a firefighter with the Rescue and EMS Team of the North Chungcheong Fire Headquarters, emphasized, "Even a stream that looks calm can have sudden drop-offs where the water depth increases, and there is a risk of being swept away by currents if you enter areas with strong water flow." He added, "Even someone who is a strong swimmer can lose the ability to respond if they panic after falling in the water."

He further advised, "Wearing a life jacket, at the very least, can prevent the worst-case scenario."

He also explained, "You should never enter the water alone to gather snails. You must frequently stand up to check your location and the terrain, and stay close to your companions so you can call for help in an emergency."

There are also many cases where people put themselves in danger by entering the water late in the evening to find freshwater snails, which are nocturnal.

Ha Seong-jae, a fire lieutenant with the 2nd Special Rescue Team of the North Chungcheong Fire Headquarters, emphasized, "In the dark, it is difficult to gauge the surrounding environment or water depth, and it is not easy to call for help even if you are in danger." He added, "Some people even drink alcohol to ward off the cold while gathering snails at night, which is taking an extreme risk that could easily lead to death."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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