PHUKET: A Phuket project to convert a public beach sala into a lifeguard training centre became a cause for celebration yesterday as supporters gathered at Nai Harn, Phuket's best-known southern beach.

As Phuketwan first reported last month, the centre will train lifeguards and educate Thai children and their parents about the importance of learning to swim.

VIP visitors, including the Australian Embassy's Deputy Head of Mission, Simon Farbenbloom, saw the designs for the centre for the first time and watched members of the Phuket Lifeguards Club training nearby.

Mr Farbenbloom said that initial funding of $A6000 was coming from the Australia-Thailand Institute. Bluescope Steel in Thailand is to provide materials and engineering, with harperdesign as architect/designer.

Mr Farbenbloom said Phuket's lifeguards ''do a great job'' and noted that an Australian had been among the recent drowning victims on Phuket. Work is expected to begin on the centre later this year.

On other issues of the safety of tourists on Phuket, Mr Farbenbloom said: ''I have heard that some people have expressed concern about jet-ski operators who claim damages. I have heard also that there are tuk-tuk drivers who create problems.

''But there are others who say things are ok.''

He would not comment on the issue of Australian embassy staff who recently recorded footage on Patong beach for a You Tube video that is likely to warn visitors about jet-ski and motorcycle hire rip-offs.

Another English-language safety video - already on You Tube - has been subtitled in Thai to explain how the deadly rip currents work on Phuket beaches, and how they can be avoided.

The rip current safety video with Thai subtitles is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTrx5rLpedI