A Russian man has drowned while swimming at a Phuket beach, having reportedly ignored red flags and warning signs.
The latest drowning, Phuket’s fifth in the space of a week, occurred yesterday, August 3, at Surin Beach, the same stretch of water that claimed the life of a Thai man last Sunday.
The Phuket Express reports that police were notified yesterday evening of the latest drowning. They arrived at Surin Beach, which is flying red flags placed there by lifeguards to warn people not to go swimming.
It’s understood the Russian man was given CPR by lifeguards and then rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. He has been named as 41 year old Aleksandr Iunemen.
According to the report, the latest spate of drownings has prompted Phuket officials to call a meeting to discuss how best to prevent people from entering the water during dangerous monsoon conditions. The meeting will also address how officials can better support the island’s lifeguards.
Rip currents are prevalent at Phuket beaches at this time of year, threatening the lives of swimmers who are unaware of the risk they pose. Studies show that most people have a poor understanding of what rips are and over two-thirds of beachgoers don’t know what they look like.
The bottom line is: if there are red flags and no swimming signs clearly visible, know they’ve been placed there for a reason and stay out of the water.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
