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Safety Notices

Lifeguard Service Hours

Baisha Bay, Qianshui Bay, and Jhongjiao Bay
June–September: 09:00–18:00
October–May: 09:00–17:00

Heping Island GeoPark
Winter (October 16–April 30): 08:00–18:00
Summer (May 1–October 15): 05:00–19:00

Water Recreation Activity Safety Management

  1. Water recreation activities are prohibited at the Linshan Cape, Fugui Cape, Shitoushan Cape, and Yehliu Cape.
  2. Baisha Bay: Swimming is limited to swimming zones with lifeguard services. Surfing, dugout canoeing, and windsurfing are restricted to areas outside swimming zones.
  3. Qianshui Bay: Permitted water recreation activities are swimming and dugout canoeing. Swimming is limited to the natural swimming area enclosed by the southern breakwater of the Houcuo Fishing Harbor, that enclosed by the breakwater at the front left of the Qianshui Bay parking lot, and that enclosed by atolls and/or beaches. Dugout canoeing is allowed only outside designated swimming areas.
  4. In the sea area between the southern breakwater in the Dong’ao Fishing Harbor and northern breakwater in the Guihou Fishing Harbor (in Wanli District) extending up to a 20-meter depth contour, water recreation is limited to dugout canoeing, diving, and swimming.
  5. Dawulun Beach, Keelung City: Only non-motorized water recreation activities are permitted in this area.
  6. Heping Island GeoPark, Keelung City: The outdoor pool area is open for swimming only.
  7. Jhongjiao Bay: Only surfing and stand-up paddling are permitted.

North Coast Water Recreation Safety Guidelines

The Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters reminds the public to choose safe swimming and recreation zones along the North Coast and to remain vigilant to prevent drowning incidents.

The peak water recreation season along the North Coast runs from May to October, which also corresponds to the highest risk period for drowning accidents. Visitors are advised to choose areas with lifeguard services, such as the Qianshui Bay, Baisha Bay, and Jhongjiao Bay, when engaging in water activities.

Surfing Activity Safety Guidelines

  1. To manage surfing activities within the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area, the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Headquarters (hereinafter “the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters”) under the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications has established the Surfing Activity Safety Guidelines (hereinafter “the Guidelines”) in accordance with Article 9 of the Regulations Governing Water Recreation Activities (hereinafter “the Regulations”).
  2. Operators providing surfing activity services shall carry lifesaving equipment. If the surfing venues are not equipped with certified lifeguards, the operators must arrange for qualified lifeguards to be present during activities. Operators providing surfing activity venues within the Scenic Area shall comply with the following requirements:
    • At least one certified lifeguard shall be on duty; at the Jhongjiao Bay, at least two certified lifeguards shall be on duty during holidays.
    • A watchtower or patrol station shall be provided.
    • Lifesaving equipment shall be available; at the Jhongjiao Bay, dedicated powered rescue equipment shall also be provided.
  3. Operators providing surfing activity services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers shall submit the following documents to the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters. The same procedure shall apply in the event of any subsequent changes to the submitted documents:
    • Proof of business license or other legal registration as a water recreation activity operator.
    • Proof of insurance certificate as required under Article 10 of the Regulations Governing Water Recreation Activities. Operators providing surfing activity venues to their customers as described in the preceding paragraph shall also submit proof of certified lifeguards and their qualification certificates.
  4. In the event of an emergency, appropriate safety and rescue measures shall be taken immediately. In addition, the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters, fire department, and coast guard authority shall be notified.
  5. Operators providing surfing activity, venues, and/or equipment to their customers shall provide surfboards and equipment that are well-maintained and free from damage. Before their customers engage in surfing activities, operators shall explain the equipment in detail, provide safety instructions and demonstrations, and inspect the customers’ equipment according to the following procedures:
    • Surfboards shall be well-maintained and free from damage.
    • Operators shall inform their customers that the safety leash must be securely fastened during activities. Operators may not abandon their customers or allow them to separate from the group and act alone during activities.
  6. Visitors engaging in surfing activities within the Scenic Area shall comply with the following rules:
    • Prior to the activities, they shall fully understand equipment functions, properly wear the safety leash, and inspect their surfboards.
    • They shall not engage in surfing activities after consuming alcoholic beverages. They should also assess their own health and physical fitness/conditions before participating in surfing activities.
    • During surfing activities, they may not detach their safety leash straps from their surfboards.
    • Prior to the activities, they shall verify the operators’ licenses, check the validity of the safety equipment, and confirm insurance coverage.
  7. Surfing activity operators found in violation of Article 2, Subparagraph 1 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$50,000 and no more than NT$200,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 2 of the Act for the Development of Tourism. Those found in violation of Article 3, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 2 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$30,000 and no more than NT$150,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 3 of the Act for the Development of Tourism.

Dugout Canoe Activity Safety Guidelines

  1. To manage dugout canoe activities within the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area, the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Headquarters (hereinafter “the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters”) under the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications has established the Dugout Canoe Activity Safety Guidelines (hereinafter “the Guidelines”) in accordance with Article 9 of the Regulations Governing Water Recreation Activities (hereinafter “the Regulations”).
  2. Operators providing dugout canoe activity services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers for a profit shall, before commencing operations, submit the following documents to the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters. The same procedure shall apply in the event of any subsequent changes to the submitted documents:
    • A copy of the company or business registration certificate related to water recreation activities.
    • A copy of the insurance certificate as required under Article 10 of the Regulations.
    • A list of certified lifeguards and copies of their qualification certificates.
  3. Any operator providing dugout canoe activity services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers shall assign at least one qualified lifeguard to each customer group, and the lifeguard shall carry a rescue buoy.
  4. Operators providing dugout canoe activity services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers shall comply with the following rules:
    • In the event of an emergency, appropriate safety and rescue measures shall be taken immediately. In addition, the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters, fire department, and coast guard authority shall be notified.
    • The safety of the venue and equipment shall be ensured, dugout canoes as well as related equipment shall be well-maintained and free from damage, and the number of passengers shall not exceed the original design capacity.
    • Before their customers engage in dugout canoe activities, operators shall thoroughly inspect the equipment, confirm that all customers are wearing life jackets properly, and provide detailed safety instructions and demonstrations.
    • Operators may not abandon their customers or allow them to separate from the group and act alone during activities.
  5. Operators providing dugout canoe activity services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers shall demand that their customers comply with the following rules:
    • Dugout canoe activities shall not be conducted solo. During the activities, at least one participant shall be equipped with wireless communication devices for rescue and reporting purposes, as well as a lifebuoy. Before the activities, the customers must fully understand the functions of their equipment and wear a life jacket and a whistle.
    • No dugout canoe activities are permitted after consuming alcoholic beverages. Individuals with heart disease, hypertension, epilepsy, or similar medical conditions should assess their own health and physical fitness/conditions before participating.
    • Customers shall not remove their life jackets or safety helmets or unfasten their safety straps when engaging in dugout canoe activities.
  6. Dugout canoe activity operators found in violation of Article 2, Subparagraph 2 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$30,000 and no more than NT$150,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 3 of the Act for the Development of Tourism. Those found in violation of Article 3 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$50,000 and no more than NT$200,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 2 of the Act for the Development of Tourism.

Diving Activity Safety Guidelines

  1. To manage diving activities within the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area, the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Headquarters (hereinafter “the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters”) under the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications has established the Diving Activity Safety Guidelines (hereinafter “the Guidelines”) in accordance with Article 9 of the Regulations Governing Water Recreation Activities (hereinafter “the Regulations”).
  2. Any operator providing diving activity services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers for a profit shall, before commencing operations, submit the following documents to the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters. The same procedure shall apply in the event of any subsequent changes to the submitted documents:
    • A copy of the company or business registration certificate related to water recreation activities.
    • A copy of the insurance certificate as required under Article 10 of the Regulations.
    • A copy of the qualification certificate of the licensed diving instructor employed to lead scuba diving activities.
    • A copy of the workshop and training completion certificates for instructors employed to lead snorkeling activities.
  3. Operators providing diving activity services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers shall comply with the following rules:
    • In the event of an emergency, appropriate safety and rescue measures shall be taken immediately. In addition, the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters, fire department, and coast guard authority shall be notified.
    • Safety of the venue and equipment shall be ensured, and diving equipment shall be well-maintained and free from damage.
    • Before their customers engage in diving activities, operators shall thoroughly inspect and confirm that all customers are wearing the diving equipment properly, and provide detailed safety instructions and demonstrations.
    • Operators may not abandon their customers or allow them to separate from the group and act alone during activities.
  4. Operators providing diving activity services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers shall demand their customers to comply with the following rules:
    • Diving activities may not be conducted alone.
    • Customers may not engage in diving activities may after consuming alcoholic beverages. Individuals with heart disease, hypertension, epilepsy, or similar medical conditions should assess their own health and physical fitness/conditions before participating.
    • Customers shall inspect the validity of all equipment and be familiar with operating it.
    • Customers engaging in scuba diving shall follow the planned dive schedules, and the diving depths shall not exceed their certified training levels or experience range.
    • Before entering the water, customers shall observe and understand the wave conditions, water temperature, tides, current, current speeds, underwater terrains, and terrain features, or seek briefings from local experienced divers regarding the dive site conditions.
  5. Diving activity operators found in violation of Article 2, Subparagraph 2 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$30,000 and no more than NT$150,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 3 of the Act for the Development of Tourism. Those found in violation of Article 2, Subparagraph 3 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$10,000 and no more than NT$50,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 1 of the Act for the Development of Tourism.

Jet Ski Activity Safety Guidelines

  1. To manage jet ski activities within the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area, the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Headquarters (hereinafter “the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters”) under the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications has established the Jet Ski Activity Safety Guidelines (hereinafter “the Guidelines”) in accordance with Article 9 of the Regulations Governing Water Recreation Activities (hereinafter “the Regulations”).
  2. Operators providing jet ski activity services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers for a profit shall, before commencing operations, submit the following documents to the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters. The same procedure shall apply in the event of any subsequent changes to the submitted documents:
    • A copy of the company or business registration certificate related to water recreation activities.
    • A copy of the insurance certificate as required under Article 10 of the Regulations.
    • A list of certified lifeguards and copies of their qualification certificates.
  3. Jet ski activity operators shall provide at least one jet ski dedicated to emergency rescue purposes. The rescue jet ski shall not be rented out to customers and must be clearly marked with a red flag. Each rescue jet ski shall also be manned by a certified lifeguard.
  4. Jet ski activity operators shall comply with the following requirements:
    • In the event of an emergency, appropriate safety and rescue measures shall be taken immediately. In addition, the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters, fire department, and coast guard authority shall be notified.
    • The safety of the venue and equipment shall be ensured, jet skis as well as related equipment shall be well-maintained and free from damage, and the number of passengers shall not exceed the original design capacity.
    • Before their customers engage in jet ski activities, operators shall thoroughly inspect the equipment, confirm that all customers are wearing life jackets properly, and provide detailed safety instructions and demonstrations.
    • Operators may not abandon their customers or allow them to separate from the group and act alone during activities.
  5. Jet ski activity operators shall require their customers to comply with the following rules:
    • Follow all safety instructions and demonstrations and properly wear a life jacket and safety helmet at all times.
    • Customers shall not engage in jet ski activities after consuming alcoholic beverages. Individuals with heart disease, hypertension, epilepsy, or similar medical conditions should assess their own health and physical fitness/conditions before participating.
    • Customers shall not remove their life jacket or safety helmet or unfasten their safety straps while operating or riding a jet ski.
  6. Jet ski activity operators found in violation of Article 2, Subparagraph 2 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$30,000 and no more than NT$150,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 3 of the Act for the Development of Tourism. Those found in violation of Article 3 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$50,000 and no more than NT$200,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 2 of the Act for the Development of Tourism.

Stand-up paddling Safety Guidelines

  1. To manage stand-up paddling activities within the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area, the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Headquarters (hereinafter “the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters”) under the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications has established the Stand-up Paddling Safety Guidelines (hereinafter “the Guidelines”) in accordance with Article 9 of the Regulations Governing Water Recreation Activities (hereinafter “the Regulations”).
  2. Individuals engaging in stand-up paddling activities within the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area must comply with the Regulations, the Guidelines, and all related announcements and rules issued pursuant to the Regulations.
  3. Operators providing stand-up paddling services, venues, and/or equipment to their customers for a profit shall, before commencing operations, submit the following documents to the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters. The same procedure shall apply in the event of any subsequent changes to the submitted documents:
    • A copy of the company or business registration certificate related to water recreation activities.
    • A copy of the insurance certificate as required under Article 10 of the Regulations.
    • A list of certified lifeguards and copies of their qualification certificates.
  4. Stand-up paddling activity operators shall comply with the following requirements:
    • In the event of an emergency, appropriate safety and rescue measures shall be taken immediately. In addition, the Northguan Scenic Area Headquarters, fire department, and coast guard authority shall be notified.
    • Before engaging in stand-up paddling activities, operators shall first observe and assess the wave conditions, water temperature, tidal directions, current speeds, topography, and surrounding features to ensure that the activity areas are within safe waters. Activities shall be avoided during unfavorable sea conditions, in shallow waters, or in areas with hidden reefs.
    • The safety of the venue and equipment shall be ensured, stand-up paddles as well as related equipment shall be well-maintained and free from damage, and the number of passengers shall not exceed the original design capacity.
    • Before customers engage in stand-up paddling, operators shall thoroughly inspect the equipment, confirm that all customers are wearing life jackets properly (life jackets must have the numbers and names of the operators), and provide detailed safety instructions and demonstrations. Written consent/confirmation shall be obtained.
    • Operators may not abandon their customers or allow them to separate from the group and act alone during activities.
    • Qualified lifeguards and appropriate lifesaving equipment (such as rescue boats) shall be provided in accordance with Subparagraph 3 of the preceding article.
  5. Stand-up paddling activity operators shall require their customers to comply with the following rules
    • Individuals engaging in stand-up paddling activities shall not enter unsupervised waters alone. At least one participant shall be equipped with wireless communication devices for rescue and reporting purposes, as well as a lifebuoy. Before the activities, the customers must fully understand the functions of their equipment and wear a life jacket and a whistle.
    • Customers shall not engage in stand-up paddling activities after consuming alcoholic beverages. Individuals with heart disease, hypertension, epilepsy, or similar medical conditions should assess their own health and physical fitness/conditions before participating.
    • Customers shall not remove their life jackets or safety helmets or unfasten their safety straps while stand-up paddling.
  6. Stand-up paddling activity operators found in violation of Article 3, Subparagraph 2 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$30,000 and no more than NT$150,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 3 of the Act for the Development of Tourism. Those found in violation of Article 4, Subparagraph 6 of the Guidelines shall be subject to a fine of no less than NT$50,000 and no more than NT$200,000, and be prohibited from offering the activities in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 2 of the Act for the Development of Tourism.

Restrictions for Dangerous Areas in the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area

Danger zones within the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area are closed during typhoon warnings or when average wind speeds and wave heights are respectively forecast to be force 8 and 6 meters (or higher). People entering these danger zones must remain alert to dangerous waves (rogue waves), wear life jackets, and refrain from any behavior that endangers personal or public safety.

Dangerous areas

  1. Fishing area around the Linshan Cape stone weir (Provincial Highway No. 2, 23K)
  2. Beach area below and to the right of the Fugui Cape Wedding Plaza (Provincial Highway No. 2, 24.5K)
  3. Shallow water area beside the tetrapods at the entrance of the Fugi Fishing Harbor (Provincial Highway No. 2, 24.8K)
  4. Estuary area at the mouth of the Laomei River at Fugui Cape (Provincial Highway No. 2, 25.5K)
  5. Rock area at the “One Line Sky” scenic spot to the left of the Shuiwei Fishing Harbor
  6. Rocky cape area below the Zhongzheng Pavilion Trail at the Shitoushan Park
  7. Seawall area beside the Neptune Pier behind Ocean World
  8. Xiangsideng Cape near the Old Yehliu Tunnel
  9. Yehliu Geopark (the third zone of Yehliu Cape including the Benjihu rock area, and the rock wall and reef area behind the third zone Malinniao Rock)

Restrictions for dangerous areas:

  1. Entry into dangerous areas is prohibited under the following weather conditions forecasted by the Central Weather Bureau: when a typhoon warning is issued for the area or when the predicted average wind speed reaches Level 8 and wave heights exceed 6 meters.
  2. Personnel entering dangerous areas for near-shore activities must be aware of dangerous waves (rogue waves), wear a life jacket, and refrain from any behavior that endangers their own or others’ safety.

Violations of the above restrictions shall be subject to penalties in accordance with Article 64, Paragraph 2 of the Act for the Development of Tourism:

  1. A fine of more than NT$30,000 and less than NT$900,000 for actions endangering one’s own safety.
  2. A fine of more than NT$100,000 and less than NT$1,000,000 for actions endangering the safety of others.

Hot spring bathing guidelines

  1. Thoroughly wash your body before entering the hot spring.
  2. Individuals with infectious diseases are prohibited from entering the hot spring.
  3. Individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other circulatory system disorders should follow their physician’s guidance before using the hot spring.
  4. Individuals with dry or sensitive skin should avoid the hot spring.
  5. Women during menstruation are prohibited from entering the hot spring.
  6. Hot spring use is not recommended after consuming alcohol, on an empty stomach, or immediately after a full meal.
  7. Pets are not allowed in the hot spring.
  8. Each hot spring session should not exceed 15 minutes.
  9. Water depth should not exceed chest height.
  10. Avoid entering a sauna/steam room immediately after hot spring use to prevent corneal injury.
  11. Pregnant women, elderly individuals with limited mobility, and children under the age of 3 should not use the hot spring.
  12. Older adults or those in poor health should avoid using the hot spring alone to prevent accidents.
  13. Rest briefly after long hikes, extreme fatigue, or intense exercise before bathing to avoid cerebral hypoxia or shock.
  14. If any discomfort occurs during hot spring use, leave the pool immediately and notify the staff.

Last updated:2025-11-04
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