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A popular natural swimming spot in Keelung has come under scrutiny, after the death of a swimmer this past weekend. The location is Shigong Pond, in Qidu District, where locals flock to on hot days, despite a sign saying that swimming is forbidden. The man who lost his life was surnamed Chu, and was in his 50s. He had submerged himself underwater, and didn’t come to the surface for a period of time, prompting others in the area to rush to his rescue. People who frequent the spot say there are plenty of areas where the water isn’t deep, and there’s even a swimming club that meets at the pond. But a government official says the site is dangerous, and a city councilor is urging the government to do something about it.

In the blazing summer heat, swimming spots like these are packed. It was here where tragedy struck on Sunday, as a 53-year-old man lost his life after he submerged himself and never came back up.

Swimmer
Tried to help with rescue
His wife told us her husband was underwater. When we brought him up, his body was all white. His feet were white. He wasn’t breathing, and had lost his pulse.

The man drowned at the Shigong Pond in Keelung’s Qidu District, considered a hidden gem for locals trying to stay cool in the heat. The victim was Mr. Chu, who’d brought over his wife and two kids on a day out. His wife started getting alarmed when she felt he was underwater for too long, and called for help. Two men jumped right in the water to rescue him, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Tsai Fu-ning
Keelung official
Though Shigong Pond appears calm, there are often whirlpools and areas where the water is very deep. It’s dangerous. It’s a water-management facility, not a recreational pool.

Officials say the site is not meant for dips, but judging from the amount of swimmers, one would think otherwise. The pond is 300m long and can reach depths of 2.5m. There’s even a swim club.

Swimmer
Swims safely
It’s not that different from a natural stream. It doesn’t get deep all of a sudden. You can reach the bottom until quite far in.

The sign says no swimming, and yet, there’s an area to rinse off after a swim. Since last year, City Councilor Tong Tzu-wei has been warning about the potential dangers of the site, saying that it’s not managed properly. He’s calling on the city government to do more than just put up a sign and consider the matter done with.

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