LIFEGUARDS returned today to Phuket's most popular beaches, areas of sand that have been unprotected since mid-November. We saw the first of the new batch at Kata beach, getting ready.

They were waiting for a jet-ski to complete their equipment.

Lifeguards will establish two pods on Kata beach, and on the other long beaches, Patong, Karon and Kamala. Swimmers are advised to look for the flags and swim within the allocated area.

There are not enough lifeguards to patrol entire beaches. Phuket's lifeguard system is also no guarantee that swimmers who find themselves in trouble can be certain of rescue.

The monsoon season sees some of the island's best beaches develop dangerous ''rips'' that are not present in the safer high season, from December to April.

Training of the lifeguards is continuing, yet the core problem remains.

Instead of having continuity and an expert team of lifesavers who will continue to develop skills and experience every year, the contract will come up for tender every 12 months - and always be won by the lowest bidder, not the best lifesaving team..