Did you read this part of the article? “Thanphisit warned visitors not to assume that being a capable swimmer will keep them safe. Alongside surface waves, Patong can experience rip currents that pull people rapidly away from the beach. "Do not think that because you can swim well, you will survive," he said, urging tourists to treat a red flag as the highest-level warning and not enter the sea.” So much for your statement : “Like this guy in photo , maybe first time in waves. Those conditions would not be a problem for an average ocean swimmer.” Sounds like you may be part of the problem.