Taiwan's Summer Water Rescues Surge at Popular Spots; Wai-mu-shan Sea Claims Most Lives

Summer in Taiwan brings a surge in water rescue operations, with popular tourist destinations unexpectedly becoming the most frequent sites for emergencies. Data from the Fire Agency between June and August from 2023 to 2025 reveals that well-known spots like Wanli beach, Fangliao fishing port, and the An-nung River are experiencing the highest number of water-related incidents.

These areas, often chosen for their accessibility and crowds, paradoxically become dangerous due to a lowered sense of caution among visitors. Many incidents involve group outings where a sudden wave, rip current, or underwater hazard can trap multiple people simultaneously. While swift rescue efforts have often led to safe outcomes, the frequency of these events is alarming.

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These popular check-in spots have become the most frequent areas for rescue operations nationwide because people let their guard down.

Keelung's Wai-mu-shan sea area stands out as particularly perilous, having recorded five drowning deaths during summer periods over the past three years. A single day in August 2023 saw three fatalities in this location alone. This has prompted the introduction of professional lifeguard teams at the Hai-xing swimming pool this year. Other high-risk areas include Yu-nei Creek in Taoyuan, where four people died over three summers, and the Hai Shen Gong and Gao Mei Wetlands, each claiming three lives.

The Fire Agency highlights that water accidents are concentrated between May and October, with peak times occurring from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The agency stresses the importance of checking environmental safety and weather conditions before engaging in water activities, strongly advising against entering unassessed or unpatrolled dangerous waters. The increase in water rescues, up 20% in two years, reflects a growing trend in water-related accidents across the island.

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The Wai-mu-shan sea area in Keelung has had 5 people unfortunately lose their lives due to water activities in the past three summers, making it the water body with the highest number of summer deaths.