Aussie life savers train Phuket lifeguards

[webfact]

Aussie life savers train Phuket lifeguards
Phuket Gazette


Volunteers took part in the five-day training in order to receive a certification in lifeguarding. Photo: PPAO PR

PHUKET: -- About 60 volunteers took part in a training seminar on emergency life-saving techniques at Phuket’s Air Traffic Control Center May 10-14.

The annual lifeguard training was sponsored by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (PPAO), and was supported by members of the non-profit organization Surf Life Saving Australia.

“Our trainers included personnel from the Third Naval Area Command and the Phuket Marine Police,” said PPAO Chief Administrator Watcharin Pathomwatanapong. “The training was held near Nai Yang Beach.”

Phuket Lifeguard Club (PLC) President Prathaiyuth Chuayuan said the training is designed to give volunteers practical experience in lifesaving techniques. The PLC has 98 lifeguards manning 38 stations at 12 beaches in the province.

Full story: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Aussie-life-savers-train-Phuket-lifeguards/63894?desktopversion


-- Phuket Gazette 2016-05-16

[Emster23]

If Phuket lifesavers anything like those who occasionally show up on Jomtien, hold your breath. Shoes, long pants, jackets, vests etc etc and busy looking at smart phones anyway.

[nakhonandy]

If Phuket lifesavers anything like those who occasionally show up on Jomtien, hold your breath. Shoes, long pants, jackets, vests etc etc and busy looking at smart phones anyway.

Couldn't agree more about Jomtien and indeed Pattaya, useless.

However in Phuket they seem to be pretty well on the ball.

[lonewolf99]

The Jomtien Lifeguard "Office" has no windows facing the sea other than the frosted glass one in the toilets....

The other side windows have their view blocked up and down the beach.

and as for the term Lifeguard, in this case it is a misnomer....How can someone dressed as a security guard, not carrying a life ring with a rope or even have binoculars be a lifeguard ?

Not that it is really a problem for me, because I would not venture into the waters here unless I was wearing a chemical warfare suit and re-breathing apparatus.

[happy chappie]

Anyway respect to those who do the job but why do they have to be volunteers ,surely TOT should fund programs like this.

[johnatong]

Anyway respect to those who do the job but why do they have to be volunteers ,surely TOT should fund programs like this.

Perhaps you failed to notice that Phuket employs lifeguards and these men/women are volunteering to provide additional capability.

Were you aware that most Australian lifeguards are volunteers as are most lifeguards in most Western countries.

How much money does your country of origin spend on ensuring a full time lifeguard service which excludes the need for volunteers ?

[rosst]

Training for what? To turn up for work,how to swim or play candy crush on their phones.

Why not volunteer and find out?

Better still give them a shining example , " do as I do ".

[kaorop]

One would hope that the volunteers are tested to be highly competent swimmers, having 60 in 1 area seems rather optimistic, based on my observations.

Probably a nice junket for a few "high ranking" aussie sls volunteers on donations and gov coin.

[metisdead]

A nonsense post which led to an inflammatory bickering session has been removed as well as the replies.

[johnatong]

One would hope that the volunteers are tested to be highly competent swimmers, having 60 in 1 area seems rather optimistic, based on my observations.

Probably a nice junket for a few "high ranking" aussie sls volunteers on donations and gov coin.

Please detail these "observations" you have made ..................

When are you going to challenge the young volunteers to a test of their swimming competency against yours in the sea when the surf high ------------paddling in the condo pool does not count !

[happy chappie]

Nice one kaorop,he's on your case now.

[Thechook]

Good to see that the aussies have been given permits to train them again. A couple of years ago they couldn't get work permits as it was a job reserved for Thais even tho they took the donations and equipment supplied by Australia.

[Jimi007]

Anyway respect to those who do the job but why do they have to be volunteers ,surely TOT should fund programs like this.

Perhaps you failed to notice that Phuket employs lifeguards and these men/women are volunteering to provide additional capability.

Were you aware that most Australian lifeguards are volunteers as are most lifeguards in most Western countries.

How much money does your country of origin spend on ensuring a full time lifeguard service which excludes the need for volunteers ?

<Snip>" as are most lifeguards in most Western countries.

How much money does your country of origin spend on ensuring a full time lifeguard service which excludes the need for volunteers ?"

Here in California most all lifeguards are paid. Full time for the year round guards and recurrent guards are paid part time during the summer season. They are now mostly all either a part of the City or County Fire Departments or the State Parks Department. So your answer is, we spend A LOT!

[NCC1701A]

Anyway respect to those who do the job but why do they have to be volunteers ,surely TOT should fund programs like this.

Perhaps you failed to notice that Phuket employs lifeguards and these men/women are volunteering to provide additional capability.

Were you aware that most Australian lifeguards are volunteers as are most lifeguards in most Western countries.

How much money does your country of origin spend on ensuring a full time lifeguard service which excludes the need for volunteers ?

millions.

lifeguards in Southern California make big money as they are part of the county fire dept.

Ever see the TV show Baywatch? It is based on Los Angeles county lifeguards. New trucks, the best gear and training, high speed boats, USCG helicopters, direct communications with highly trained paramedics and hospital ER rooms. Life guard stations up and down the coast. Always on patrol and lookout. They tell you if it is safe to go in the water. If not, you don't go. Worlds away and a century ahead of upside Thailand.

At least these kids are trying as best they can. Lets hope one life can be saved.

Frustrating as Thailand has many examples to follow. But that would be too easy.