LITTLE lifesavers will take to the water at Ao Makham, near the Cape Panwa aquarium, on Saturday, February 28, as part of a continuing program to improve safety on Phuket's beaches.
So far the fun program to help children to learn essential lifesaving skills has exceeded the expectations of organisers.
Saturday's Ao Makham outing follows similar gatherings at Nai Harn, Karon and Kamala that attracted scores of children aged five to 15.
Local residents, schools and swim clubs are invited to participate and the event is free to all.
You can even come from the other side of the island, no problem.
Prize medals will be awarded to first, second and third in a variety of swimming, sprint and fun events, including a popular tug of war.
The serious message that comes along with the fun is that learning lifesaving techniques can save people from drowning and make Phuket a safer place to swim.
The young potential lifesavers are called ''nippers,'' a term that comes from Australia where lifesavers patrol all the popular beaches and prevent many people from drowning.
Thais who share a love of the outdoors and the beach have been quick to adopt this slice of Australian culture through the Phuket Lifeguard Club.
The first lifesaving carnival at Patong last year proved so successful that a two day carnival is now being planned for July, with participants expected from all over Australia and perhaps other countries, too.
Nippers February 28 at Ao Makham
(close to the aquarium )
Time: 9am registration, finish approx. 12.30pm
Three age groupings, 5-7 years, 8-11 years, 12-15 years
Events will include swim events, sprint events and fun events.
There is no entry fee. Anyone can join in. Free drinks provided.
Important note: Parents/guardians must sign in at registration to permit their child to participate.
Contact: English: Jayne 0896452576 Thai: Khun Nat 081 8925549
The event is sponsored by Tessaban Tambon Vichit and Rimlay Boh Reh restaurant.
So far the fun program to help children to learn essential lifesaving skills has exceeded the expectations of organisers.
Saturday's Ao Makham outing follows similar gatherings at Nai Harn, Karon and Kamala that attracted scores of children aged five to 15.
Local residents, schools and swim clubs are invited to participate and the event is free to all.
You can even come from the other side of the island, no problem.
Prize medals will be awarded to first, second and third in a variety of swimming, sprint and fun events, including a popular tug of war.
The serious message that comes along with the fun is that learning lifesaving techniques can save people from drowning and make Phuket a safer place to swim.
The young potential lifesavers are called ''nippers,'' a term that comes from Australia where lifesavers patrol all the popular beaches and prevent many people from drowning.
Thais who share a love of the outdoors and the beach have been quick to adopt this slice of Australian culture through the Phuket Lifeguard Club.
The first lifesaving carnival at Patong last year proved so successful that a two day carnival is now being planned for July, with participants expected from all over Australia and perhaps other countries, too.
Nippers February 28 at Ao Makham
(close to the aquarium )
Time: 9am registration, finish approx. 12.30pm
Three age groupings, 5-7 years, 8-11 years, 12-15 years
Events will include swim events, sprint events and fun events.
There is no entry fee. Anyone can join in. Free drinks provided.
Important note: Parents/guardians must sign in at registration to permit their child to participate.
Contact: English: Jayne 0896452576 Thai: Khun Nat 081 8925549
The event is sponsored by Tessaban Tambon Vichit and Rimlay Boh Reh restaurant.
