PHUKET: The death of a Chinese woman while snorkelling off Phuket with 30 others today is likely to alarm ambassadors and renew calls for improved standards of safety.
The woman has been named as Ting Hong, 29. She was pronounced dead after snorkelling at Racha island off Phuket with the large group.
Ting Hong was found floating face down. Staff at the Racha Resort attempted to revive her, with no success.
Her body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket City.
Many Chinese do not know how to swim or even use snorkels.
Police said today they were told that tour guides and staff showed the group of visitors how to use snorkels and instructed them to wear life jackets.
More than 35 people are believed to have drowned last year on Phuket's popular west coast beaches or on day-trips to Racha and other islands.
The toll is considered far too high for a popular tropical island that markets itself as a year-round swimming destination.
Phuket authorities have yet to adequately improve marine and beach safety. Needless deaths are still being recorded.
The number of lifeguards on Phuket's beaches could even be reduced - if a new contract is signed later this month.
If a contract is not signed, Phuket could be without lifeguards during the arrival of the monsoon, the most dangerous time of the year.
In past years, Phuket has gone without lifeguards for up to seven weeks while contract disputes have been resolved.
The lifeguards say they are underpaid and need better equipment to save more lives.
The woman has been named as Ting Hong, 29. She was pronounced dead after snorkelling at Racha island off Phuket with the large group.
Ting Hong was found floating face down. Staff at the Racha Resort attempted to revive her, with no success.
Her body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket City.
Many Chinese do not know how to swim or even use snorkels.
Police said today they were told that tour guides and staff showed the group of visitors how to use snorkels and instructed them to wear life jackets.
More than 35 people are believed to have drowned last year on Phuket's popular west coast beaches or on day-trips to Racha and other islands.
The toll is considered far too high for a popular tropical island that markets itself as a year-round swimming destination.
Phuket authorities have yet to adequately improve marine and beach safety. Needless deaths are still being recorded.
The number of lifeguards on Phuket's beaches could even be reduced - if a new contract is signed later this month.
If a contract is not signed, Phuket could be without lifeguards during the arrival of the monsoon, the most dangerous time of the year.
In past years, Phuket has gone without lifeguards for up to seven weeks while contract disputes have been resolved.
The lifeguards say they are underpaid and need better equipment to save more lives.
This is another unnecessary loss of life. Perhaps safety films could be shown on flights coming from China about swimming dangers and other safety issues here. Motor cycle dangers, riding with inappropriate clothing or lack of,renting scams, need to get correct drivers licence, Jet Ski rip offs etc etc. Well call me skeptical but I don't think anything will ever change from the status quo.
Posted by seht1912 on April 20, 2014 09:55
Editor Comment:
Nothing will change unless the Phuket authorities act instead of talking about acting.