Deadly Rip Currents Frequently Occur Due to Strong Winds
Lack of Lifeguards and Inadequate Warning Systems Exacerbate the Danger
Recently, four tourists died consecutively over the course of a week at a beach in Phuket, Thailand. As concerns grow over the dangers of strong waves and inadequate safety management, Thai authorities have urged visitors to Phuket to exercise particular caution when entering the sea. On August 27, local media outlets such as Thai Examiner and the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a 35-year-old Russian man died around midnight on August 21 while swimming with his girlfriend at a beach on the northwest side of Phuket Island.
Four tourists consecutively died over the course of a week at a beach in Phuket, Thailand. Photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Photo by Asia Economy DB
Regarding the circumstances of the accident, the girlfriend stated that the man, swept away by the waves, pushed her toward the shore while he himself was carried away by the rough sea. His body was later found on the beach. On the same day, two foreign men were seen struggling in the water off the southwest coast of Phuket Island. Local residents managed to rescue them, but one died and the other was taken to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Witnesses reported that there were no safety personnel or red warning flags indicating strong waves at the scene. One man who participated in the rescue said, "If there had been a lifeguard, both would have survived," adding that "the damage was worsened because the ambulance arrived about 20 minutes late."
On the previous day, August 20, a 68-year-old Swedish man collapsed and died while swimming in shallow water off the southwest coast of Phuket Island. Witnesses said he fell forward in knee-deep water. On August 22, the body of a 28-year-old American man was washed ashore on the southwest beach of Phuket Island. Police are reviewing nearby CCTV footage and witness statements and conducting a forensic autopsy to determine the cause of death. Earlier, on August 7, a 10-year-old Canadian girl, who had been swimming with her family off the southwest coast of Phuket Island, was swept away by strong waves and later found dead. No warning flags were installed at the scene that day either.
Even Skilled Swimmers Find It Difficult to Escape Rip Currents
Local media have pointed out that during the monsoon season from June to October, the sea becomes extremely rough and deadly rip currents frequently occur due to strong winds. The lack of lifeguards and insufficient warning systems have exacerbated the damage. Rip currents are fast-moving channels of water that flow from the shore out to sea through narrow pathways, created by waves piling up on the beach. Even highly skilled swimmers find it difficult to escape when caught in a rip current.
Among them, the recent appearance of the highly venomous sea creature, the blue sea slug, on the beach has further raised safety concerns. Getty Images Bank
Amid these concerns, the recent appearance of the highly venomous blue sea slug, known for its deadly sting, has further heightened safety worries. Despite being only about 3 centimeters long, this creature can cause excruciating pain if stung and has been spotted since last month on beaches along the southwest coast of Phuket Island. In response, Phuket authorities are increasing the number of beach lifeguards and installing more warning flags and signs. They have also launched a public awareness campaign urging hotel and resort guests to follow safety warnings and swim only in patrolled areas.
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