PHUKET: For two months, no drownings have been recorded on any of Phuket's beaches.
The latest recorded fatality occurred on August 16 when Swiss tourist Robert Roger Jean, 67, died in hospital after being plucked from the surf at Kata beach.
Latest statistics released by the Phuket Lifeguard Club, which oversees 13 popular beaches on Phuket's west coast, give cause for hope.
Training and equipment for Phuket's lifeguards are constantly improving as the club becomes involved in Phuket community schemes aimed at highlighting beach safety.
While the number of drownings on Phuket remains high when compared to the road toll, schools and parents are now becoming increasingly aware of the need for children to learn to swim.
Public Health statistics show drowning as the highest cause of death for Thai children under the age of 15.
Lifeguards are now gearing up for what could be a record high season on Phuket, which means the beaches will be busy.
Statistics from the Phuket lifeguards reveal a large number of rescues, even during the September-October period when rainfall on Phuket has been heavier than usual.
Phuket is divided into three zones by the lifeguards, with zone one - Ya Nui, Nai Harn, Kata Noi, Kata and Karon - recording a total of 46 rescues between September 2 and October 9.
The week between October 9 and October 16 has been more intense, though, with 46 people rescued in just those seven days.
In Phuket's Zone Two - Patong, Kamala and Laem Singh - there were 101 rescues between September 2 and october 16.
In Phuket's Zone Three - Surin, Bang Tao, Nai Yang and Nai Thon - 11 rescues took place.
Six of those rescued, all of them expats, have required hospital treatment in the latest six-week period.
Young Phuket Playmates Drown in Canal Double-TragedyThe latest recorded fatality occurred on August 16 when Swiss tourist Robert Roger Jean, 67, died in hospital after being plucked from the surf at Kata beach.
Latest statistics released by the Phuket Lifeguard Club, which oversees 13 popular beaches on Phuket's west coast, give cause for hope.
Training and equipment for Phuket's lifeguards are constantly improving as the club becomes involved in Phuket community schemes aimed at highlighting beach safety.
While the number of drownings on Phuket remains high when compared to the road toll, schools and parents are now becoming increasingly aware of the need for children to learn to swim.
Public Health statistics show drowning as the highest cause of death for Thai children under the age of 15.
Lifeguards are now gearing up for what could be a record high season on Phuket, which means the beaches will be busy.
Statistics from the Phuket lifeguards reveal a large number of rescues, even during the September-October period when rainfall on Phuket has been heavier than usual.
Phuket is divided into three zones by the lifeguards, with zone one - Ya Nui, Nai Harn, Kata Noi, Kata and Karon - recording a total of 46 rescues between September 2 and October 9.
The week between October 9 and October 16 has been more intense, though, with 46 people rescued in just those seven days.
In Phuket's Zone Two - Patong, Kamala and Laem Singh - there were 101 rescues between September 2 and october 16.
In Phuket's Zone Three - Surin, Bang Tao, Nai Yang and Nai Thon - 11 rescues took place.
Six of those rescued, all of them expats, have required hospital treatment in the latest six-week period.
Breaking News Two young boys from the same neighborhood have drowned in a tragedy that highlights again the lack of proper learn-to-swim training in Phuket's schools and at beaches.
Young Phuket Playmates Drown in Canal Double-Tragedy
Motorcycle Havoc Puts Case for Safe Transport
Latest Almost 10,000 people on Phuket have required hospital care in 2011 after road crashes. The death toll is being contained, but the maiming and crippling continues.
Motorcycle Havoc Puts Case for Safe Transport
Phuket Water Safety Backed By Aussies
Photo Album Work will begin soon on a beachside centre for training that should improve the standards for lifeguards as well as educating Thai children about water safety.
Phuket Water Safety Backed By Aussies
Swiss Tourist Dies After Being Rescued at Phuket Beach
Latest A tourist has died in hospital after having been rescued from Phuket's popular Kata beach. Lifeguards believe the man was a good swimmer who probably suffered a heart attack.
Swiss Tourist Dies After Being Rescued at Phuket Beach
Phuket's Riskiest Beach: Where the Killer Rips Pull and Drown
Latest A meeting of lifeguards, authorities, vendors and resorts hears what can be done to prevent more beach drownings on Phuket in future.
Phuket's Riskiest Beach: Where the Killer Rips Pull and Drown
'Drunk' Russian Drowns: Phuket Toll Grows, More Tragedies Likely
Breaking News The death of a Russian man at Karon beach highlights the damaging issue of drownings as Phuket's reputation as a year-round holiday destination disappears beneath the surf.
'Drunk' Russian Drowns: Phuket Toll Grows, More Tragedies Likely
I was down at Karon Beach the first week of Oct and the red flags were up and there were people everywhere in the water and no one attempting to get them out. When I finally see proactive lifeguards then I will believe things are a lot safer.
Posted by mike on October 18, 2011 11:49