Authorities are urging caution as accidents involving drowning and other fatal incidents while harvesting freshwater snails in streams recur every year.

Officials emphasized that when engaging in water activities, people must be careful because riverbeds are often uneven and slippery due to algae.

According to the Gyeongbuk Fire and Disaster Headquarters and other sources on July 30, accidents involving people drowning while catching freshwater snails in streams have been occurring consecutively.

At 7:48 AM the previous day, a woman in her 70s identified as A died after falling into the water while catching freshwater snails in Dongchang Stream, Sannae-myeon, Gyeongju.

It was determined that A, a local resident, met her demise while harvesting freshwater snails alone.

The water level of the stream where the accident occurred was only about 1 meter deep.

Previously, on the 28th, an elderly person in their 80s went out to catch freshwater snails in a stream in Hyucheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, and was found in a state of cardiac arrest; although transferred to a hospital, the person passed away. On the 12th of the same month, a person in their 80s who was catching freshwater snails with companions in a stream in Gaya-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, died.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, a total of 32 people nationwide died while collecting freshwater snails during the summer months of June to August over the past three years.

In particular, it was found that half of the fatalities were concentrated in August.

Freshwater snails inhabit areas with relatively low water levels, but stream beds are uneven and slippery with algae, meaning safety is not guaranteed.

Especially for the elderly, whose physical abilities are diminished, slipping and falling in a stream is difficult to cope with, highly likely leading to a major accident.

Authorities advised that when harvesting freshwater snails, individuals should engage in activities with companions and wear life jackets and non-slip shoes.

An official from the Gyeongbuk Fire and Disaster Headquarters said, "Even by the waterside where the water level is above the knee, slipping and falling can put you in danger," adding, "Once water begins to enter the mouth and nose, you may panic and find it difficult to respond."

The official further stated, "When entering streams, safety rules such as wearing life jackets must be strictly followed."

(Photo: Yonhap News)