The appeal for swimmers to be aware of the dangers of Phuket’s surf comes after three tourists drowned at Phuket beaches in just two days earlier this week.
The Phuket Tourist Police issued the renewed call for all visitors to strictly follow beach safety guidelines as the southwest monsoon season brings dangerous swimming conditions to the island’s popular beaches.
In their warning, the Puket Tourist Police stressed the importance of following lifeguard instructions at all times. Lifeguards are stationed along Phuket’s beaches to monitor conditions and provide immediate assistance when necessary.
“Please listen to the advice of the lifeguards,” the Phuket Tourist Police notice read. “Your cooperation ensures everyone’s safety.”
Phuket Tourist Police highlighted that red flags posted on the beach signal hazardous conditions, such as strong currents and rough seas, where swimming is strictly prohibited.
Tourists were reminded that these warnings are issued to prevent accidents and save lives.
To enhance safety, swimming is only allowed in clearly marked zones where lifeguards can easily monitor swimmers and respond quickly if help is needed, Phuket Tourist Police noted.
The beach safety warning follows 41-year-old Kazakhstani tourist Yevgeniy Ksheminskiy being pulled from the water unconscious at Kata Beach shortly before 4pm on Wednesday ((June 11). Despite rescue efforts and CPR performed both at the scene and later at Chalong Hospital, he was pronounced dead.
Less than 30 minutes later, a second drowning was reported at Bang Tao Beach. A woman, believed to be around 40 years old, was also found unconscious in the surf. She was rushed to Thalang Hospital but could not be revived.
The two fatalities followed the drowning of Albanian tourist Daniela Idrizi, 41, at Karon Beach on Tuesday (June 10). She had arrived on the island earlier that day with her husband and went swimming shortly after checking into a local hotel. Lifeguards found her body about an hour after she was reported missing.
Authorities say all three drownings occurred despite red ‘no swimming’ flags being posted on the beaches.
The drownings prompted lifeguards to urge tourists to stay out of the water in restricted areas, as rough seas and strong rip currents pose serious risks, even to experienced swimmers.
Patong lifeguards have reported rescuing seven people from the surf in a single day this week, with two requiring hospital treatment.