SPECIAL REPORT: How Phuket’s ‘band-aid’ lifeguards are failing

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SPECIAL REPORT: How Phuket’s ‘band-aid’ lifeguards are failing

The Phuket News

 

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong (centre) speaks with Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup (centre, left) and lifeguards at Patong Beach yesterday (Oct 1). Photo: PR Dept

 

PHUKET: Despite officials putting on a brave face with public announcements that it is “business as usual” and that all is well as tourists are being protected from strong surf and rip currents at Phuket’s beaches, one tourist has drowned and several others were rescued at beaches along the west coast over the weekend.

 

Chinese tourist Shi Yiqeng, just 22 years old, died after being pulled away from the beach by a strong rip tide at Kata on Saturday (Sept 30). Her body washed ashore at Kata Beach last night. 

 

At Nai Harn, two tourists were reportedly rescued. However, the rescue confirmed by The Phuket News was not by a lifeguard. Instead, a Russian man at the beach noticed Chinese tourist Liu Su, 46, in trouble and ran to the rescue.

 

Full story: Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/special-report-how-phuket-band-aid-lifeguards-are-failing-64129.php

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2017-10-02

[Bob12345]

Are the chinese the only ones going in the water or are they just terrible swimmers?

[Oziex1]

Apart from the financial nonsense that has created this issue with the no show of the regular crew of lifesavers.

 

There is a fundamental problem of the message on the dangers of Phuket beaches not being heard in spite of the recurring tragedies. Perhaps an information kit on the inbound planes is required.

[ChrisY1]

50 minutes ago, Bob12345 said:

Are the chinese the only ones going in the water or are they just terrible swimmers?

Apart from their Olympic swimming team, most others go under if they can't touch the sand!

[steelepulse]

Didn't see any lifeguards at Karon yesterday and there were a lot of people at the water's edge at sunset.

[Ulic]

What needs to be clearly posted at each beach is the number of swimmers

that have drowned in the past year at each particular beach. Saying it is

dangerous or the beach is closed with red flags is not enough. If conditions

are not appropriate yes close the beach. However if possible a small area

should be marked where lifeguards can monitor with extra vigilance to make as safe

as possible.I spent six months in Phuket during the rainy season where the red

flags were up every day. Some days warranted, many days not.  During monsoon

season the default position is put up the red flags so when someone drowns you

shrug and say the beach was closed. Life guards doing multiple jobs, beach chair

rental etc...... does not help. They should be focused on their jobs as lifeguards.

[Happyman58]

Look at the life guards in picture Looks like they were pulled off the street and handed yellow shirt and paid some money to take picture with governor to make out they doing something to protect swimmers  Most of these guys in picture prob cant even swim themselves Same ole same ole for Thailand  Great ideas but no money to act on them Life guards need to be trained and have equipment provided to do there job but do you think these guys would get that? But all smiles because governor has picture and show to everybody what good guy he is and all tourist can be assured to come to Phuket because we have life guards to protect you as you can see in picture 

[Happyman58]

Just now, Happyman58 said:

Look at the life guards in picture Looks like they were pulled off the street and handed yellow shirt and paid some money to take picture with governor to make out they doing something to protect swimmers  Most of these guys in picture prob cant even swim themselves Same ole same ole for Thailand  Great ideas but no money to act on them Life guards need to be trained and have equipment provided to do there job but do you think these guys would get that? But all smiles because governor has picture and show to everybody what good guy he is and all tourist can be assured to come to Phuket because we have life guards to protect you as you can see in picture 

The guy in the pic doing the talking would be the guy making the money out of it He has probaly never been near the water in his life

[schlog]

29 minutes ago, Happyman58 said:

The guy in the pic doing the talking would be the guy making the money out of it He has probaly never been near the water in his life

 

......but his shirt is so cool!

[hansnl]

15 hours ago, Bob12345 said:

Are the chinese the only ones going in the water or are they just terrible swimmers?

Terrible listeners.

[beechbum]

Cant blame the navy guys, there being forced into something they have no experience with and i imagine zero training, just stupid government officials at all levels making stupid decisions...doing what they do best.

[Psimbo]

16 hours ago, Happyman58 said:

The guy in the pic doing the talking would be the guy making the money out of it He has probaly never been near the water in his life

You mean the Governor (as clearly stated in the picture)?

[Happyman58]

7 hours ago, Psimbo said:

You mean the Governor (as clearly stated in the picture)?

Oh he is the Governor Ok Funny ok take it on board

[Psimbo]

Seems like the beaches are suffering due  a temper tantrum- TiT!

 

"“The PPAO can provide Phuket lifeguards ourselves. We do not need Phuket Lifeguard Service Co Ltd anymore,” Mr Teera said."

 

The whole thing would be funny if it wasn't such a disgrace.
 

[quadperfect]

Just as expected