The warning, from the International Surf Lifesaving Association, comes as strong southwesterly monsoon conditions have whipped up the surf along the entire west coast.
“Strong winds, large waves, severe rip currents blasting Phuket's west coast. ISLA recommends all exposed west coast beaches be CLOSED until conditions improve,” The Phuket News was told yesterday morning. (See story here.)
Today, the ISLA told The Phuket News that the conditions are predicted to last at least the next one or two days.
ISLA recommends the previously named beaches – Nai Harn, Kata Noi, Kata, Karon, Surin, Bang Tao, Layan, Nai Yang, and Mai Khao – remain closed.
“Flash rip currents are outgoing rivers of water that appear suddenly, move unpredictably, and then disappear. They can reform without warning, either in the same place, or further down the beach. For this reason, it is unsafe for tourists and beachgoers to enter the water at all” the ISLA warned.