High waves prompt Phuket swimming ban

PHUKET: -- Monsoon-induced high waves have prompted local authorities to ban swimming at several beaches on the tourist island of Phuket.

The southwest monsoon prevailing in the Andaman sea has brought heavy rain, strong winds,high waves -- and closed beaches.

Red flags have been placed on several beaches including Patong beach, Kamala beach, Karon beach, and Kata beach on Phuket to ban swimming for the safety of tourists.

Beach guards must monitor their areas closely as some tourists have violated the ban.

-- PHUKet 2007-07-14

Just coming back from a late afternoon coffee at Patong beach:

Today 1 dead 2 others survived from drowning.

Gerd

I spent the entire day at the beach in Patong yesterday and it was great for sunbathing but very dangerous for swimming, even in the shallows. Both lifeguard towers remained empty for the entire day, as far as I could determine, whilst the placement of red flags remained indiscriminate. I don't critisise the authorities since most folks would take one look at the way the waves were forming and rolling, test the under current and say, that's not safe. Sad to see that some foks don't do those things.

Just coming back from a late afternoon coffee at Patong beach:

Today 1 dead 2 others survived from drowning.

Gerd

Tourists Gerd?

It wasn't too long ago that nothing was greater fun than massive waves. My friends and I were invincible. I know we're old now when we don't go in the water because the g/fs and wives scream at us and my friends attach those plastic leashes to their kids when they walk on the beach. Dang, we've morphed into our parents.

If that ###### onshore winds would drop we might get some bearable surfing waves..

Will drag a board to my spot tomorrow.

Just coming back from a late afternoon coffee at Patong beach:

Today 1 dead 2 others survived from drowning.

Gerd

Tourists Gerd?

Yes, tourists.

Went this morning around 7o'clock with the dogs.

Strange feeling after only 5 meters into the sea the undercurrent is trying to catch you.

Gerd