'A jet ski operator being called a hero isn’t something you’ll see or hear too often in Thailand but that’s how one based on Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui is being described this week after video footage of him racing into rough seas to rescue a drowning farrang went viral.' .... continued

https://www.stickboybangkok.com/viral/jet-ski-hero/

A friend of mine has a non motorized watersports center on Chaweng. Next to him are the jet ski boys. From November to March they rescue on average one person a day from drowning on that stretch of beach alone. I don't like the jet skis, but without life guards and life boats on the beaches I am happy the jet skis are there. Apart from a timely rescue in many instances, my friend and the jet ski guys also average one successful CPR per week during these months. True lifesavers!

This is a step in the right direction but as yet they lack sufficient training. During a recent rescue in calm weather it took a full 15 mins to motivate them into action & when they did finally act an unconscious tourist / jet skier in the sea 300M from shore was thrown across the rescuers machine like an outlaw on a bounty hunters horse, resulting in the victim's head being submerged throughout the journey back to shore.

CPR was conducted by 2x female tourists who felt compelled to assist when they realized no one else knew what to do.

The rider had been wearing a buoyancy aid rather than a life jacket which might have contributed to his untimely demise.