Phuketwan News Analysis
PHUKET: Many people will heave a sigh of relief when the lifeguards return to Phuket's beaches from Wednesday.
To have Phuket without safety patrols on the 13 key tourist beaches for almost eight weeks is unacceptable.
Governor Nisit Jansomwong and Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation President Paiboon Upatising really must make sure such a needless absence never reoccurs.
The contract for the next 10 months was finally signed at the offices of the PPAO on Friday.
But who will take responsibility for ensuring that Phuket does not go without beach lifeguards again?
The Phuket Lifeguard Service has done an excellent job in lifting the standards of the lifeguards, creating greater awareness of the need for safety, carrying out thousands of rescues and generally making Phuket a much safer destination for swimmers.
The Phuket Lifeguard Service deserves to be acknowledged as a necessary part of the island's vital protective forces, just like police and firemen.
Their contract should come up for renewal once in every three years, rather than every year, so those who take up the task of protecting swimmers at the beach have a sense of continuity and do not fear losing their jobs when the contract ends each March.
It may be that some people in the PPAO see this as a money-saving exercise. Perhaps there are even some who take pride in saving almost eight weeks of payouts to the lifeguards.
That would be a false economy. Phuket needs lifeguards on its beaches every day of the year, and we hope Governor Nisit and President Paiboon take steps to ensure that happens in future.
The 88 lifeguards and their administrative staff deserve the support of everyone on Phuket.
arrangements abt equipment, training and related standard of service ..? govt fails in setting and requesting proper standard
if that standard would be set, it would easily lead to an sea that procurement for a year is wrong idea
moreover , part or biggest part of the equipment should be bought by the government and given for a use to lifeguards like boats etc.
in addition proper protocols should be desugned between lifeguards , Marine police and further Army who has e.g. helicopters ,and also embassies and farang volunteers.
Posted by Sue on May 17, 2015 17:02