The warning comes after three tourists were pulled from the surf at Nai Thon Beach yesterday (Oct 11).
Speaking to The Phuket News today, (Oct 12), Chief of the PLS Prathaiyuth Chuayuan said, “The beaches are not safe if there are no lifeguards. Beachgoers should only eneter the water where lifeguards are stationed.
“As I have told The Phuket News before, this is a dangerous time of the year at Phuket’s beaches with strong wind and waves,” Mr Prathaiyut said.
“Lifeguards are there to look after beachgoers and check where there are safe zones to swim. I want tourists to be aware about this. I want tourists to be safe. Please don’t play on beaches with no lifeguards, they are not safe,” he repeated.
Regarding yesterday’s incident at Nai Thon Beach, the beach’s head lifeguard Anek Sattrawathit said that three tourists had to be pulled from the surf at 9am after entering the water where red flags were flying.
“Two Russian women were pulled away from the shore and I had to use a safety board to help them. I then had to run to assist male tourist who was in trouble nearby.
“It was hard to bring these tourists back to the shore as the wind and waves were so strong,” he said.
“All of them received first aid and also said thank you to before leaving for their accommodation,” he added.