The safety patrol groups will be deployed at 45 playgrounds within the district to secure safety and help children use facilities safely, while keeping an eye on irresponsible dog owners without a leash.(Image: Seocho District)
SEOUL, Mar. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — Seoul’s Seocho District has introduced safety patrols consisting of local residents to keep an eye on playgrounds for the first time in the country.
The safety patrol groups will be deployed at 45 playgrounds within the district to secure safety and help children use facilities safely, while keeping an eye on irresponsible dog owners without a leash.
Known as ‘playground sheriffs’, the patrols consisting of local residents ranging from housewives in their 40s to seniors in their 70s will be sent to areas frequently visited by children after receiving training programs, during which members will learn to provide first aid.
“Each playground will be under the watch of one or two members of the patrol. During the weekend and holidays when more children come out to play, the members will be on patrol between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., while they will work five days per week during the summer break in July and August,” the district office said.
In addition to the safety patrols, Seocho District is extending insurance benefits for playground accidents from 100 million to 200 million per person, while accidents caused by negligence will see the injured compensated with up to 5 million won.
“We plan to create a safe environment at playgrounds where children can roam around freely without the fear of getting into accidents,” the head of the Seocho District Office said.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
