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Sign found at Phuket's dump . . .

Let Phuket Rip: No Action As Drownings Mount

Friday, January 8, 2010
THE Phuket Provincial Administative Organisation is calling for tenders for professional lifeguards on the island's most popular tourist beaches.

Because the organisation has to follow Thai regulations in seeking someone to operate the service, the island's beaches have been without lifeguards since mid-November.

At least one young Thai boy has died on a beach without lifeguards in that period.

Online applications for tender for the lifeguards close on January 13. On January 29, the tenders will be reviewed.

If there are no applicants, as is the situation at present, the tender process will be extended by 10 days each time until there is an applicant.

Ayut Banglung, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the organisation, said: ''We have had no applications so far and we are required by law to follow a set process.''

He said the local tessaban councils should be providing safety protection on the beaches in the period until a new professional service is in place.

Equipment for beach rescues, including surfboards and inflatable boats, has also been taken from the beaches because its removal is consistent with Thai law. Even the red warning flags have been repossessed.

Local beach people on Phuket are mostly horrified at the lack of protection for tourists and residents alike. While some people are capable of advising when and where to swim, they have no rescue equipment.

A 10-year-old boy became Phuket's first beach fatality of 2010 when he drowned at Nai Harn beach on the New Year's Day holiday while on a family picnic. An eight-year-old boy narrowly avoided the same fate.

Drownings for the island for 2009 reflect the high toll in the water, which is now dramatically out of proportion to the road toll.

To the end of November, Phuket had 137 road fatalities and 53 drownings, figures totally out of kilter when the numbers who use the roads are compared with those who swim or work on the water.

Several of the victims were tourists caught in strong ''rips.'' In some cases, family members have called for tourists to boycott Phuket or for government travel warnings until beach safety becomes a priority, especially during the dangerous monsoon season.

Australia's much-admired lifesaver system evolved after a tragic day at a beach when four children from the same family drowned. The family, on a picnic outing, wrongly believed that the beach was protected by lifeguards.
Phuket Drowning: 'Where's Max? Where's Max?'
New Year Tragedy A young boy who survived the tragedy that killed a friend at a Phuket beach asks: 'Where's Max? Where's Max?' The island should be asking, 'Where are the lifesavers?'
Phuket Drowning: 'Where's Max? Where's Max?'

Phuket Beach Holiday Tragedy: Young Boy Drowns
Photo Album Phuketwan knows these photos will shock. But a young boy's death by drowning on a New Year's Day holiday is a shocking thing, especially on a beach holiday island.
Phuket Beach Holiday Tragedy: Young Boy Drowns

Phuket Economy to Suffer Unless Government Acts
Opinion/Analysis: Beset by continuing claims of thuggery, ripoffs and extortion, Phuket must seek the intervention of Thailand's government to equip the island for success in the 21st century
Phuket Economy to Suffer Unless Government Acts

Update: Tourist Fined, Then Flies off Phuket
UPDATE A countercharge against a Canadian tourist was heard quickly today to enable him to catch a flight off Phuket. He was fined 1000 baht and his passport was returned.
Update: Tourist Fined, Then Flies off Phuket

Phuket Has Too Many Tuk-Tuks, says Police Chief
Exclusive A tourist who says he was bashed by a tuktuk driver tells his version of events, and Patong's police chief speaks out, saying there are too many tuktuks on Phuket.
Phuket Has Too Many Tuk-Tuks, says Police Chief

Comments

Comments have been disabled for this article.

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A few month ago they spend millions of baths for staff and trainings, so what's happen, where are they !!?? U even didn't publish my message saying that the amount was too high for that purpose!

Editor: I don't recollect your message. The tender was for a specific period, ending in mid-November. Isn't the problem caused by too much concern for money, and not enough about people's lives? How much is too much to reduce the drownings?

Posted by Jean-Paul Patrick on January 8, 2010 12:42

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It's all very good family members calling for a boycott of Phuket until beach safety is improved but what about the people who blatantly ignore warning flags when they are posted. When they get into trouble they put the lives of others at risk as well as themselves.

Editor: Certainly. That's why resorts need to become proactive in warning their guests, why it's a mistake to pretend the monsoon season is a good time for a beach holiday, and why a concerted approach is required to protect tourists and the island's reputation.

Posted by Mister Ree on January 8, 2010 13:36

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It would be interesting to know if this tender is open to non-Thais. Or is it a job that 'only Thais are allowed to do'?

Posted by Simon Luttrell on January 8, 2010 14:18

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the application process for the new tender should have begun before the previous one ran out.. thus as one contract ends the new contract begins.. no need to remove equipment, etc.

Posted by another steve on January 8, 2010 14:25

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Further to my last comment re the lifeguard tender, this could be a good opportunity for dedicated people (Expat and Thai) to work together to provide a professional lifeguard service. Where was this invitation to tender published? This tender should not be restricted by the nationality of the lifeguard, but should be open to all nationalities who can provide the provision of lifeguard service.

Posted by Simon Luttrell on January 8, 2010 14:51

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@simon luttrell: Yes. Why not a system like the tourist police. Officals with the help of volunteers.

Start with preventing dangerous situation. Get out the word! Someone should start/promote a Phuket Beach Wiki, where people with knowledge can share their wisdom about the beaches, the specific situations at the beach, its history of danger, how to know it is a rip, what to do if you are in one etc. Translations shouldn't be a problem.

I am sure, spreading this knowledge will help. Certify some Thai/Expats for becoming a beach guide, give them a shirt and let them walk the beach to give advise and hand out some graphics on paper about the HOW-TO in that paritcular beach. Give them a honorary club of some sort.

You wait for the government, you may die. So why not get the local resorts (like the business of the year) on board to provide funds for a honorary lifeguard and drowning prevention center.

And maybe there are even people willing to help doing the real lifeguarding.

"...While some people are capable of advising when and where to swim, they have no rescue equipment."

It is sad if this resource is wasted.

Posted by Lena on January 8, 2010 20:58

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Oh for heavens sake....the solution is staring you lot right in the face. Use those highly dedicated Jet Ski operators to patrol the beaches??? they are already there and they can then charge the local adm. for the 1-2 hr use of their jet ski (+ damages of course) and this may help their image in the public's eye........done and dusted. :)
Tom

Posted by Tom Jones ( no relation) on January 8, 2010 21:14

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There is not only the issue about Beach life guards which the 5P roules apply in Phuket.
5P - Rule:
Propper
Planning
Prevents
Poor
Performance
Is there anybody who can translate this into Thai-language?

Posted by Richi on January 8, 2010 22:17


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