Mmm, i spent the "monsoon" season swimming at patong beach when the "lifeguards" were there and people still drowned, the biggest issue is no signage warning punters of the dangers, that would be more value than the beach boys who rarely acted to stop people and spent most of their time chatting up farang chicks.

Posted by up-to-you on December 2, 2009 08:52

Nai Harn beach yesterday.. Mill pond calm, high season water..

Yet the red flags flying all along the beach indicating no swimming.

Then people wonder why visitors ignore the warnings.

Posted by LivinLOS on December 2, 2009 09:44

On Kata and Karon the lifeguards were a waste of time and money, a very sad state of affairs here on Phuket. ''Please get off the plane, leave you money and go home'' should be the slogan here on Phuket nowadays.

Posted by Peter J Notley on December 2, 2009 11:11

they want volunteers, let all westeners pay for it! suckers..... phuket is dying and taxi stand in naithonbury charge 900 bath for a ride to patong! no wonder people go elsewhere.... for god's sake phuket, WAKE UP !!!!!

Posted by jojo on December 2, 2009 12:38

Unbelievable but true, TIT. In Europe there is even in a public swimming pool a lifeguard. What will happen, if a child drowns in Patong or Karon beach?

Posted by Hunterg on December 2, 2009 14:07

Properly trained lifeguards would make a huge difference to safety in Phuket and to the confidence of visitors to the island. Many visitors to Phuket cannot swim, have "one too many" or simply take risks they would not take when in their own country.

I fail to understand why the authorities cannot get this organised and do so in a co-ordinated manner. How many more visitors do we need to send home in a box before positive action will be taken?

Posted by risky on December 2, 2009 16:12

Nobody gives a damn about human life here. This is the east and life is cheap, just note all the drownings, killings, Murders, accidents on the roads. For everyone who dies, ten babies will replace them.

Phuket has lost its international shine as a prime holiday destination. It is now far too late to stem the tide of misery descending on this once wonderful island.

The new motto is " Make Money Quick !!!"
MONEY is lord and master here. Pity not much of it around these days? I wonder why ????

Posted by Dinky on December 2, 2009 18:06

It is not only farang who die in the surf. A lot of burmese and thais drown also. I remember some sad stories of kids taken by the sea this year.

First of all, a public beach is not a resort, not an all inclusive safe place to be. There are even more dangers in Phuket, like these box jellies.

If you visit some nice beaches a little more remote, there are no signs, no nothing. People do take care about themselves. Or they check what the natives are doing (always a good idea). Because in the end, you go swimming.

I am sorry for everyone who drowns, but it was his/her choice. Specially with alcohol or fat food or getting a lot sun right before. No need to behave so risky.

That said, I strongly agree, that at places like Patong or Kata the tourism industry is responsible for the illusion of the "all easy". Greeting the vacation feeling, easy access to drinks, etc. The industry wants tourists to be carefree and spend their money, having a good time.

So it is the f***ing duty of everyone profiting from this, that they keep their guests safe, even when they behave stupid, because, that stupid behavior is what they want in the first place.

You make a dangerous beach a cash cow, then get enough properly trained life savers on. Otherwise every dead soul shall haunt you and put your life to misery!

Posted by Lena on December 2, 2009 18:08

OK so the Thai life savers are not up to par but... seen the figures on drownings in rips etc on Aussie beaches? Good grief cannot people get it into their heads that the sea is beautiful but it can be dangerous!

Is anybody responsible for their own actions any more..la I saw the news of a major part of a, less than aware, family drown in S.Melbourne (Mornington Peninsular.. ) even with a whole team of well qualified life savers including RIBS.on duty.too much too late??

As a one time member "Dad's Army" ( Queensland volunteer coastguard ) I was amazed at the absolute stupidity of some of the people we rescued.. sigh

Posted by David on December 2, 2009 19:35

Just returned last week to BKK from a great 10 days on Phuket, mate and i doing a bit of body surfing at Nai Harn, like being 18 again, found myself in the rip and started back stroking across the current, no big drama, i felt a tap on my shoulder only to find a fit healthy smiling thai bloke with a zippy board, "you in the rip", "yes mate but i'm ok", "ok", he said "may as well hang on and we'll get in", how good is that ? next i'll be getting a seat on the BTS, bloody fantastic.

Editor: Good to hear . . . the guys at Nai Harn are what every beach needs.

Posted by Anonymous on December 14, 2009 15:55