Patong lifeguards mark 53 surf rescues in July

Patong Beach Lifeguard Crisis: Urgent Call for Safety Compliance

Patong Beach lifeguards are intensifying their efforts to ensure beachgoers heed red ‘no swimming’ flags and lifeguard warnings following a dramatic increase in rescue incidents last month. In July alone, lifeguards responded to 29 separate incidents, rescuing 53 individuals caught in dangerous rip currents.

July’s Rescue and Safety Incidents

The Patong Surf Life Saving team reported the alarming statistics in an update posted on August 2. The month saw lifeguards involved in a range of emergency responses, including two groups who were prevented from swimming at night due to safety concerns. Additionally, the team assisted individuals who were intoxicated, victims of theft, and even addressed a situation involving a tourist injured in a fight. Lifeguards also managed to reunite a young boy with his parents after he got lost.

Throughout July, three individuals required first aid for injuries sustained on the beach, while 11 others needed medical attention for incidents in the water, with four being rushed to Patong Hospital. A further person received first aid following an accident related to water sports.

Educational Initiatives and Tragic Incidents

In response to the increasing number of drownings, Patong Surf Life Saving has continued its educational initiatives aimed at teaching local children about the dangers of the surf. Despite these efforts, July was marked by several tragic incidents on Phuket’s beaches. A Hong Kong father drowned at Patong Beach, a Kazakh man died at Karon Beach, and a Chinese tourist’s body was discovered after disappearing in dangerous surf at Karon Beach. Additionally, an Indian tourist drowned at Surin Beach, caught in a rip current during an early morning swim.

Calls for Increased Awareness and Prevention

Viroon Chuasaman, Head Lifeguard at Surin-Bang Tao Beach, has emphasized the need for more robust awareness campaigns. He urged the Tourism Authority of Thailand to actively promote the dangers of ignoring red flag warnings during the monsoon season. Mr. Viroon highlighted that while current lifeguard efforts address immediate problems, they do not tackle the root causes of these incidents. His call for improved tourist education follows a concerning series of drownings in June, further underlining the need for increased safety awareness.