Every year during the seventh lunar month, many elders warn, "Don't go to the beach during Ghost Month," commonly out of fear that water spirits—referred to as "good brothers"—might "catch a substitute" to take their place in the afterlife. However, "catching a substitute" is a long-standing folk belief and not a scientifically proven cause of water-related accidents. From a safety standpoint, the real risks to watch out for are rip currents, long waves, and choosing the wrong swimming spots. Especially since the seventh lunar month often falls between summer and early autumn, beachgoers should remain vigilant about typhoons, long waves, and changing sea conditions.Why Can't You Go to the Beach During Ghost Month?

'Catching a Substitute' Is Actually a Folk BeliefThe idea that "you shouldn't swim during Ghost Month" is not a recent urban legend but a longstanding folk taboo in Taiwan.The National Educational Radio, when introducing the Qilu Traction Water culture in Yunlin, explained that traditional societies held deep reverence and fear for those who died in water accidents. This led to the folk belief that "water ghosts need to catch a substitute to achieve salvation," which in turn gave rise to customs such as holding rituals for drowned souls and warning children not to enter the water recklessly.The National Academy of Marine Research has also held marine culture lectures on the "taboo of swimming during the seventh lunar month," discussing the tradition of avoiding water activities during this period within the context of folk beliefs and marine culture.In other words, "catching a substitute" can be seen as part of traditional folk culture, but it cannot be considered a scientific explanation for beach accidents. What truly determines whether it's safe to enter the water are the current sea conditions, the designated swimming area, and individual swimming behavior.Real Danger 1 During Ghost Month: Rip Currents Hidden Beneath Calm WatersOne of the most underestimated dangers at the beach is the "rip current."The Central Weather Administration explains that a rip current is a strong flow of water moving from the shore out to sea. Some rip current zones may appear calm on the surface, with fewer waves, leading people to mistakenly believe they are safer entry points.According to the Central Weather Administration, rip currents can reach speeds of 0.5 to 2.5 meters per second—faster than most people can swim. If caught in a rip current and panicking, trying to swim directly back to shore against the current can quickly exhaust a swimmer, increasing the risk of drowning.The weather bureau advises that if you accidentally encounter a rip current, do not fight against the flow. Instead, call for help and wave your arms to signal distress. If capable, swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the current. If unable to escape, remain afloat or tread water to conserve energy while waiting for rescue.Real Danger 2 During Ghost Month: No Rain on Shore, But Long Waves from Distant Typhoons"The sun is out today—surely the beach is safe?

" Not necessarily.The Central Weather Administration warns that long waves can pose a danger even when local weather appears fine. Even if a typhoon's center is hundreds of kilometers away from Taiwan, the waves it generates can travel long distances.When long waves reach shallow coastal areas, wave height can increase dramatically. Thus, even without rain, large waves can suddenly appear, endangering people standing on reefs, breakwaters, or the shoreline taking photos or playing in the water.Therefore, deciding whether to visit the beach shouldn't depend solely on whether it's raining. Before heading out, check not only the weather forecast but also long wave, typhoon, and sea condition advisories issued by the Central Weather Administration.The Fire Department also reminds the public that water activities should not be attempted during typhoons or heavy rain. For activities like rock fishing, it's essential to monitor wave conditions and tidal changes.Real Danger 3 During Ghost Month: Choosing the Wrong Swimming Spot—Entering Prohibited or Unsupervised AreasAnother issue more important than "whether it's Ghost Month" is where you choose to swim.The Fire Department recommends prioritizing beaches with lifeguards on duty and following their instructions. If signs such as "No Swimming," "Swimming Prohibited," or "Dangerous Depth" are posted, do not enter the water.Natural bodies of water involve complex environmental factors like currents, wave patterns, and underwater terrain. Therefore, one cannot assume that swimming ability in a pool translates to safety in the ocean.When visiting unfamiliar waters, always confirm whether swimming is permitted, whether lifeguards are present, and whether there are any warnings. Even if the water looks calm, do not enter if the area is marked as prohibited or dangerous.What to Do If Swept Away by a Wave?

Don't Jump In to Save Someone ImmediatelyIf you see someone fall into the water, your first instinct should not be to jump in and rescue them.The Fire Department advises that upon discovering a drowning person, you should first shout for help and call 118 or 119. Then, look for life rings, rescue ropes, or any buoyant objects to assist. Untrained individuals who jump in recklessly may also put themselves in danger.If you yourself are caught in a rip current, stay calm, avoid swimming directly against the current, and signal for help by waving and shouting. If you cannot escape immediately, conserve energy by floating and wait for rescue.Can You Go to the Beach During Ghost Month?

From a folk perspective, avoiding beaches and rivers during the seventh lunar month is a long-standing cultural taboo in Taiwan. Whether to follow it depends on personal or family beliefs.But from a practical water safety standpoint, the sea doesn't suddenly become more dangerous during Ghost Month. In any month, beachgoers must remain cautious of rip currents, long waves, weather conditions, and whether the swimming area is safe and legal.Especially during typhoons or long wave warnings, or when "No Swimming" or "Dangerous Depth" signs are posted, do not enter the water even if the weather looks fine.The elders' warning, "Don't go to the beach during Ghost Month," carries cultural and folk significance. But what truly reduces the risk of accidents is checking sea conditions in advance, choosing safe and legal swimming areas, and not overestimating your swimming ability.SourcesFolk background references include marine cultural materials from the National Academy of Marine Research on "swimming taboos during the seventh lunar month" and National Educational Radio's introduction to "Qilu Traction Water." Information on rip currents, long waves, and water safety is compiled from the Central Weather Administration's "Main Cause of Beach Drowning Accidents—Rip Currents," "Big Waves Without Wind," and water safety promotion materials from the Ministry of the Interior's Fire Department.The term "catching a substitute" mentioned in this article refers to folk beliefs and traditional cultural narratives, not scientifically proven causes of water accidents.