With the ongoing monsoon conditions affecting the beaches of Phuket, Governor Narong Woonciew is urging all relevant agencies to ensure the safety of beachgoers. The current seasonal conditions have led to some wet and stormy weather and dangerous waters.
Although the wet season is just one of the re-occuring annual weather moods, this year’s wet season has been particularly ‘wet’ in the first few weeks of July.
Most of the island’s beaches have red flags erected, warning people to stay out of the water when the south west monsoon kicks up the waves out of the Andaman Sea. Despite this, last week, 2 men tragically drowned at Kata Noi Beach – a British tourist who entered the water despite the red flags, and the Thai man who followed trying to save him. Lifeguards report many international visitors ignoring the red flags and getting into difficultly.
Governor Narong says the red flags are erected to warn people not to enter the water. In addition, most beaches have lifeguards on duty to ensure the safety of beachgoers. According to a report in Thai-language outlet Southern Thai News, the governor has praised the lifeguards at Patong Beach, where he recently carried out an inspection.
Bottomline, if you see red flags, or a lifeguard warns you not to swim in that area, just enjoy your time watching the waves and relaxing on the sand.
The governor says he wanted to encourage the lifeguards and thank them for their work, given the difficult conditions of late. He adds that he wants to emphasise safety and security at Phuket beaches and has spoken with both the lifeguards and the local authorities about the importance of keeping beachgoers safe.
SOURCE: Southern Thai News
