PHUKET: A Turkish man who drowned at a beach on Phuket at the weekend was a father of two, on a holiday visit with workmates.
Yalcin Dagdelen, 45, ignored red flags to enjoy the surf at Karon beach on Sunday and failed to respond after being pulled from the surf by lifeguards.
Ironically, he was a guest at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, which fronts a smaller west coast beach nearby that is regarded as one of the safest and best-protected on the island.
Karon beach stretches for about four kilometres and lifeguards are often unable to stop all holidaymakers from swimming. Red flags and whistles are never enough.
The determination to swim at an appealing Phuket beach often overwhelms any qualms people might have about potential dangers.
Lifeguards say they need help, and that warnings about the dangers of Phuket's beaches should be delivered first on descending aircraft or at the airport, and again in person by receptionists when tourists check in.
By the time a person dons their swimming gear and heads to the beach, it's often the case that no logic can dissuade them from braving the Phuket surf.
To many people who are either non-swimmers or not strong swimmers, the bubbling sea looks just as attractive in reality as the holiday brochures suggest.
Mr Dagdelen is reckoned to be the sixth drowning victim at Phuket's beaches in 2014, but authorities have yet to confirm that figure. About 35 tourists and Thais drowned at Phuket's beaches or while snorkelling offshore last year.
Officials on Phuket ceased releasing monthly updates on drownings in April, 2012.
Despite the importance of beach safety to the international holiday island, a community-based awareness campaign to prevent drownings has yet to evolve.
Mr Dagdelen's body is to be flown home to Turkey for a funeral.
Yalcin Dagdelen, 45, ignored red flags to enjoy the surf at Karon beach on Sunday and failed to respond after being pulled from the surf by lifeguards.
Ironically, he was a guest at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, which fronts a smaller west coast beach nearby that is regarded as one of the safest and best-protected on the island.
Karon beach stretches for about four kilometres and lifeguards are often unable to stop all holidaymakers from swimming. Red flags and whistles are never enough.
The determination to swim at an appealing Phuket beach often overwhelms any qualms people might have about potential dangers.
Lifeguards say they need help, and that warnings about the dangers of Phuket's beaches should be delivered first on descending aircraft or at the airport, and again in person by receptionists when tourists check in.
By the time a person dons their swimming gear and heads to the beach, it's often the case that no logic can dissuade them from braving the Phuket surf.
To many people who are either non-swimmers or not strong swimmers, the bubbling sea looks just as attractive in reality as the holiday brochures suggest.
Mr Dagdelen is reckoned to be the sixth drowning victim at Phuket's beaches in 2014, but authorities have yet to confirm that figure. About 35 tourists and Thais drowned at Phuket's beaches or while snorkelling offshore last year.
Officials on Phuket ceased releasing monthly updates on drownings in April, 2012.
Despite the importance of beach safety to the international holiday island, a community-based awareness campaign to prevent drownings has yet to evolve.
Mr Dagdelen's body is to be flown home to Turkey for a funeral.
I tried very hard to resuscitate him. I am from South Africa. I did all CPR for an hour, I didn't give up. I feel so bad for his family. I wish you well and offer my condolences to your family..RIP
Posted by Karin rackley on July 13, 2014 04:28
Editor Comment:
We are sure you did your best, Karin. An improved warning system might save more lives.