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Phuket Lifeguards to Quit Guarding Beaches in Phuket Tendering Fiasco

Phuket Lifeguards to Quit Guarding Beaches in Phuket Tendering Fiasco

Monday, March 12, 2012
PHUKET: Phuket's popular tourist beaches could be without lifeguards for up to 60 days during the dangerous monsoon season after the present contract for lifeguards ends on April 2.

''We will leave the beaches and give back the equipment to the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation on that date,'' Witanya ''Pik'' Chuayuan, communications manager for the Phuket Lifeguard Club, said today.

Because the lifeguard contract is open for tender each year, there's a period when Phuket's beaches are not protected, no matter how many tourists flock to them.

This year, the gap without lifeguards on Phuket's most popular west coast beaches could be abnormally long because of the vote for a new administrative organisation president.

The poll takes place on April 7, just five days after the lifeguards leave the beaches. If there is an electoral challenge to the result, it could be 60 days before the winner is confirmed.

Could the family of drowning victims who perish at Phuket beaches sue the administration for lack of proper care, if there are no lifeguards?

The likelihood of this happening grows every year as the lifeguard service is suspended while tenders are called. The tendering process makes sure the system is honest and there is no corruption - but it also leaves tourists unprotected on Phuket's beaches.

Lack of continuity in contracts also means that there's a danger of losing the training skills that have been passed on to the current crop of Phuket Lifeguard Club lifeguards.

There is always the possibility of a less well-trained group bidding for the contract, undercutting the Phuket Lifeguard Club on price, but also having a lifeguard group who are not as well trained.

Most of the world's best lifesaver systems, including those in Australia and California, are not subjected to annual reviews on the basis of cost.

Manop Lilasutanon, who is heading the Phuket administrative organisation while the elections are being held - former president Paiboon Upatising is standing against one other candidate, Chayot Wisantawong - has been in talks with the Phuket Lifeguard Club to try to reduce the risks.

''We hate to leave the beaches unattended,'' said Khun Pik. ''And the likelihood is that some of the lifeguards will continue to remain on duty without pay. But there are no guarantees.''

Having a tendering process that took place while the current Phuket contract was still in operation would seem to be the life-saving solution.

Comments

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" Having a tendering process that took place while the current Phuket contract was still in operation would seem to be the life-saving solution."

Totally agree but commonsense doesn't seem to be the strong suit.

Posted by innocent bystander on March 12, 2012 11:54

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Well done Phuket. You will not do anything about road safety, police corruption, jet-skis, taxi mafia or general safety like electricity/electrocutions...but you will leave all of your beaches unprotected for 60 days in the most dangerous time in order to prevent 'lifeguard corruption'???
I would like to call it a disgrace, unbelievable, irresponsible, dangerous, stupid, insensitive or ludicrous, but I cant...it's just typical Phuket.
Like I said, well done Phuket...well done!

Posted by kobee on March 12, 2012 12:24

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Would it make more sense to have the contract end at a time of year when it's least dangerous? That may mean giving the first contract for (say) 18 months, and all subsequent contracts running for 12 months. Having a handover as the monsoon and surf comes in is poor planning.

Posted by Mr Man on March 12, 2012 12:39

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Common sense is not very common in Thailand at all.

Nothing amazing about that.

Bringing these issues into light is essential to induce change and this is where media has a lot of influence.

If those in power choose to act on that information though is a different matter alltogether but at least they can't sweep it under the carpet anymore.

Posted by Steve C. on March 12, 2012 13:02

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Something to bring up at the cabinet meeting. Yet another quite ridiculous situation for an island that is supposed to be tourist friendly. Common sense just flew out the window! (Maybe it wasn't there in the first place).

Posted by Pete on March 12, 2012 13:07

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can we know how much the coverage is by beach e.g. Kata, Karon, Patong, Nai Harn etc, maybe some local sponsors will cover?

Posted by wm on March 12, 2012 13:20

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why don't they start the tendering in January 3 months before the contract expires?

Posted by wm on March 12, 2012 13:21

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Simple solution.....free holiday for Australian surf lifesavers, beaches would be better patrolled and no one can deny their skills and bravery.

Posted by Laurie Howells on March 13, 2012 14:14

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@ Laurie Howells on March 13,

A very logical idea Laurie but what about the work permits. Even voluntary work by a foreigner needs a work permit as well as they need to pay tax on a minimum amount whether it's earned or not.

Sorry, I don't think it'll fly.

Posted by innocent bystander on March 13, 2012 16:43


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