The promotion, announced on World Drowning Prevention Day (July 25), marks a significant milestone in Mr Jenner’s decades-long career dedicated to saving lives in and around water. The day, established by the United Nations to raise global awareness of drowning as a major public health issue, provided a symbolic backdrop for Mr Jenner’s new title.
A retired firefighter and paramedic with 17 years of emergency medical service experience, Jenner has combined his frontline work with a passion for journalism and public safety. He has contributed extensively to The Phuket News, Travel News Asia and other publications, often highlighting issues of water safety in Southeast Asia.
In his role as ISLA’s Marine Safety Officer for Phuket, Mr Jenner has been a vocal advocate for professional, fully funded lifeguard services on the island. His work has included training local volunteers, advising on lifeguard development, and helping to establish international safety standards on Phuket’s popular beaches.
CLIMBING THE RANKS
Mr Jenner’s new rank of International Marine Safety Commissioner reflects not just years of field service, but also leadership in training, advocacy and public education. ISLA, a US-based non-profit, works globally to develop lifesaving programmes in regions where formal rescue systems are still emerging.
“This promotion isn’t just about me,” Mr Jenner said. “It honours the many pioneers who laid the groundwork for water safety in Phuket ‒ people like the late Khun Nat of the Phuket Lifeguard Service and Khun Viroon Chuasaman of the Surin-Bangtao Surf Lifesaving Club. They’ve saved thousands of lives.”
ISLA also credited The Phuket News for its ongoing coverage of water safety, helping amplify the voices of lifesavers and keeping the issue in the public eye.
FROM HEROIC RESCUES TO LIFESAVING LEGISLATION
Mr Jenner first gained international attention in 2014 when he captured footage of a daring rescue off Poipu Reef, Kauai, while volunteering as a lifeguard. The video, which showed him saving a snorkeler in distress, was later used in ocean safety training materials. He has since remained a vocal advocate for swimming in lifeguarded zones and respecting ocean conditions.
Now based on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i near the Wailua River, Mr Jenner continues his advocacy work and public education. His book ‘KauaÊ»i: Mysteries of Danger Island’ explores the natural risks of island life and the importance of being prepared.
He also brings a creative approach to safety outreach. While volunteering in Phuket, Jenner famously trained a stray beach dog to assist with lifeguard duties ‒ a symbol of how unconventional partnerships can make an impact in public safety.
WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY: A TIMELY REMINDER
Mr Jenner’s promotion comes at a time when the world is increasingly recognising drowning as a silent killer. According to the World Health Organization, 236,000 people die from drowning each year, with children and young adults being most at risk. It ranks among the top 10 causes of death for people aged 1-24 years globally.
World Drowning Prevention Day, first marked in 2021, calls for practical action. The WHO recommends installing barriers around water, providing safe childcare, teaching swimming and rescue skills, enforcing boating laws and training bystanders in CPR and rescue methods.
“Despite our progress, we must stay alert to future challenges,” Mr Jenner said. “Climate change, urbanisation and tourism growth all introduce new water safety risks. Our job is to anticipate them and stay ready.”
LOOKING AHEAD
In his new global role, Mr Jenner will help shape ISLA’s training programmes and advise on water safety policy across multiple continents. But he remains grounded in the philosophy that lifesaving is a local issue ‒ solved community by community.
“This honour is shared with every lifeguard, volunteer, and journalist who has fought to make beaches safer ‒ especially in places like Phuket where resources can be scarce,” he said.
As the world marks another World Drowning Prevention Day, Mr Jenner’s promotion serves not only as a personal accolade but also a powerful reminder that drowning is preventable — and that committed individuals can make a global difference.
STATE OF PLAY
According to the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket), a total of 18 drowning-related fatalities occurred in Phuket Province in 2024.
Of these deaths, 12 occurred in Mueang District, four in Thalang District, and two in Kathu District.
The victims included 15 males and three females. When broken down by nationality, the fatalities were as follows:
- Five Thai nationals (four males, one female)
- Two from the United States (both male).
- Two from Uzbekistan (one male, one female)
- One from Russia (male)
- One from the United Kingdom (male)
- One from China (male)
- One from Belgium (male)
- One from Kazakhstan (male)
- One from Saudi Arabia (male)
- One from Myanmar (male)
- One from South Korea (male)
One male was of unknown nationality.
In total, lifeguards across Phuket responded to a total of 149 seawater drowning incidents during last year.
These incidents were reported across various municipalities and subdistrict administrative organisations as follows:
- Karon/Kata ‒ 42 incidents
- Patong ‒ 40 incidents
- Cherng Talay ‒ 32 incidents
- Kamala ‒ 19 incidents
- Rawai ‒ 6 incidents
- Sakhu ‒ 7 incidents
- Mai Khao ‒ 3 incidents
These statistics highlight the ongoing need for strong lifeguard services and public awareness campaigns to improve water safety throughout Phuket.
Meanwhile, The Phuket News has confirmed the drowning deaths of at least seven foreign nationals at Phuket beaches so far this year.
The confirmed cases include:
- A Kuwaiti man who drowned at Bang Tao Beach
- A Japanese man who drowned at Karon Beach
- A Russian man who also drowned at Karon Beach
- An Albanian woman who drowned at Karon Beach
- A Kazakhstani man who drowned at Kata Beach.
- A woman of unknown nationality who drowned at a beach in Cherng Talay
- A Polish man who drowned at Kamala Beach
It is important to note that The Phuket News does not receive reports of all drowning incidents at Phuket beaches, and the actual number may be higher.
Additional reporting by Nataree Likidwatanasakun
For more information on ISLA’s work, visit: www.islasurf.org