British Tourists Rescued at Phuket Beach

Two British tourists were rescued after getting into difficulty while swimming in red-flag conditions at Nai Thon Beach in Phuket, despite warnings that the sea was unsafe. Lifeguards responded quickly after spotting the pair struggling in rough surf at about 12:20 on 11 July 2026.

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The two men were pulled from the water unconscious and brought ashore, where lifeguards immediately administered first aid. Both regained consciousness before being taken by emergency responders from the Sakhu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation to Thalang Hospital for further treatment.

The tourists were later identified only as Samuel Ernest Preston, 34 and Jacob William Scott, 40, both British nationals. Hospital officials confirmed that both men were in a stable condition and remained under close medical observation.

The rescue took place at Nai Thon Beach in Sakhu subdistrict, Thalang district, during the southwest monsoon season, when Phuket’s west coast regularly experiences strong waves and dangerous rip currents. Authorities had already displayed red flags along the beach to warn visitors that entering the water was unsafe.

According to police, lifeguards stationed at the beach spotted the men struggling in the heavy surf and launched an immediate rescue. Their rapid response enabled both tourists to be brought safely ashore, where emergency treatment was provided before they were transferred to hospital.

Following the incident, authorities renewed their warning for visitors to exercise extreme caution when swimming during the monsoon season. They reminded beachgoers to follow lifeguards’ instructions at all times and to strictly obey red-flag warnings, which indicate that sea conditions are considered too dangerous for swimming.

The case highlights the continuing risks posed by rough seas around Phuket during the monsoon months. Officials continue to advise tourists and residents to check beach safety warnings before entering the water and to avoid swimming whenever red flags are displayed.

Khaosod reported that as both men remain under medical observation, authorities are expected to continue reinforcing public safety messages at beaches across Phuket while hazardous sea conditions persist.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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12 July 2026