Tourist rescued after ignoring red flags at Phuket beach

Thanpisit Saengrat, a lifeguard, recounted the rescue of a foreign tourist at Patong Beach on Phuket's coast. The tourist, convinced of his strong swimming skills, ignored red flags and lifeguards' warnings not to enter the water. Despite the strong waves, he entered the sea and was soon swept away by the currents. Lifeguards arrived using a jet ski and rescue board, saving the tourist and bringing him back to shore.

Lifeguards at Patong Beach face numerous instances of tourists disregarding red flags daily; in fact, they had already handled two such cases that same day. Some tourists questioned why they couldn't swim despite the warnings. Others, even intoxicated, still chose to enter the water, heightening the risk. Patong Beach is approximately 3 kilometers long and has around 10 lifeguard stations, each manned by three to four lifeguards.

Over the past month, there have been two drowning incidents in the Bangla area alone. Lifeguards utilize jet skis and rescue equipment to reach swimmers in distress, bringing them ashore and providing CPR if needed. Thanpisit emphasized that even strong swimmers are at risk from rip currents, which can swiftly carry individuals away from the shore.

He advised visitors to consider red flags as a serious warning to stay out of the water, regardless of their swimming prowess.