Phuket: Nai Harn surf claims German tourist
Saran Mitrarat


Beach goers look on as rescuers attempt to revive a German tourist who ignored warnings not to swim in the red-flag zone at Nai Harn Beach.

PHUKET: -- A German man in his thirties died and an Asian man is recovering in hospital after lifeguards pulled the two from the surf at Nai Harn Beach yesterday afternoon (Oct 8).

Both men, believed to be tourists and possibly travelling together, got into difficulties in the water around 5pm after disregarding red flags and lifeguards' verbal warnings not to go swimming in the red-flag zone at the beach.

Lifeguards were able to resuscitate the Asian male but attempts to revive the German were unsuccessful, said Head Lifeguard Jula Nontree.

The Asian is recovering at Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) Hospital.

The name of the German victim is being withheld until consular officials have confirmed his identity and informed relatives of his death.

“We tried to stop them going in the sea but they ignored our warnings. We followed them, expecting to have to rescue them,” said Jula.

The two men were brought to the shore and given CPR. However, only the Asian responded to resuscitation, he said.

"Even though the red flags were out, there were a lot of tourists – Thais and foreigners – swimming in the red-flag zone. Even while we were rescuing those men, other people were still going into the sea,” said Jula.

Only a designated 150-meter zone in front of the Yacht Club is safe to swim in, the head lifeguard told The Phuket News.

“The current monsoon weather is causing high, powerful waves in which people can easily drown,” he said.

“Lifeguards are only on duty from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Please do not swim at any time outside those hours, because if you get in to trouble there will be no one around to help you,” Jula advised.

“Please listen to our warnings,” he urged.

Lifeguards stationed at beaches across Phuket's popular beaches rescued a total of 266 people (56 Thais and 210 foreigners) between Jan 1 and Sept 30.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/nai-harn-surf-claims-german-tourist-49059.php


-- Phuket News 2014-10-10

Hats Off to the Lifeguards...once again placing themselves in harm's way for little pay.

We had them at our company for training 2 weeks ago. Super nice guys, but their frustration at tourists and locals not listening to their screams or seeing red flags is super frustrating. Hats off to them.

We had them at our company for training 2 weeks ago. Super nice guys, but their frustration at tourists and locals not listening to their screams or seeing red flags is super frustrating. Hats off to them.

Can I ask what type of company you have?