Phuket’s lifeguards back on beaches
Wiparatana Nathalang

PHUKET: -- Phuket’s lifeguards have been working since yesterday (May 27) on every beach in Phuket.

There are 84 lifeguards covering 38 points on 13 beaches: Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon, Nai Harn, Bang Tao, Surin, Laem Sing, Kamala, Patong, Kata, Kata Noi, Karon and Ya Nui. There are at least two lifeguards on each beach.

Withanya Cheuyuan, co-owner of Phuket Lifeguards Co told The Phuket News, “At Patong Beach, the jet ski and umbrella renters are helping us to watch out for any drowning people. Tuk-tuk drivers also help us to take drowning victims to the hospital without asking if they will get a fare or not.”

Some tourists are not getting the point, she said. “We have put ropes between the red warning flags to try to stop people going in the water, but people still step over them. I saw Thai people hanging their clothes on the flags before going in the water.

“Our job now is not only saving the people's life, but also preventing and warning people by blowing whistles and telling them to move to parts of the beach where it is safe to swim.

“We also take on extra jobs such as looking out for thieves, looking for stolen items, chasing dogs away so they don’t bite people and give first aid for a variety of injuries.”

She made a plea for help in repairing wooden storage huts where equipment is kept. “We need storage places near to the lifeguard stations. We can’t carry around all the equipment.

“If members of the public can help repair or rebuild the storage rooms, we can work more efficiently to save people’s lives.”

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket%E2%80%99s-lifeguards-back-on-beaches-46516.php


-- Phuket News 2014-05-28

Great News!

seems like a visit to the beach overthere will be a 500 baht per person operation soon