Phuket Beach Lifeguard Plan 'Coming This Month'

16.03.2010

THE CHIEF Executive of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, Paiboon Upatising, told Phuketwan today that an announcement about the future of Phuket's lifeguard services could be expected before April.

Offers of help in setting up a suitable lifeguard system for Phuket have come from two organisations with recognised skills, Surf Life Saving Australia and the California-based US Ocean Safety.

Phuket has been unable to supply lifeguards on any of Phuket's popular beaches since the previous contract covering the service expired in mid-November.

As an international tourist destination with a need to conform to international safety standards, Phuket appears to be ready to cast off a failed system based on contracts and undertake a new plan, based on commonsense.

The precise nature of the ''new deal'' on the beaches will not become clear for two weeks. But it appears plain that a major change in thinking is now taking place.

Needless deaths have occurred on Phuket's beaches because of the inadequacies of the old system. Questions were frequently asked about the ability of lifeguards to protect tourists and locals, often from their own desire to swim in dangerous conditions, and rescue and revive people in trouble.

Some sensible guidelines from local experts had been absorbed in terms of the beaches that needed lifeguards and the numbers required for that service.

Now, with the abandonment of the old tendering system, Phuket appears to have the chance to achieve a strategy that will save lives.

Some expats and locals have been working to encourage a ''sea change'' that will promote learn-to-swim campaigns among the young and encourage a long-term Australia/California beach culture where lifeguards become local heroes.

If Phuket needs expert help, there are a couple of vastly experienced organisations offering some.

Here's what Andre Slade, National Lifeguard Manager of Surf Life Saving Australia emailed to Phuketwan: ''I am writing after reading about the lifeguard situation you reported through your website on 22 January (Help! Phuket Lifeguard System Needs Rescuing, by Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian). I would like to offer any information, advice or direction on lifeguarding to Phuket, from Surf Life Saving Australia, and our lifeguard division The Australian Lifeguard Service (www.lifeguards.com.au).

''If you are able to point this email in the right direction to someone who may appreciate the offer, it would be much appreciated. Kind regards, Andre.''

That was followed by another email: ''I read the story regarding the lifeguard service issues on Phuket and the tragic events of four sisters during Valentine's Day. I've been a lifeguard for 24 years and run a successful lifeguard department in southern California, USA for the last 20 years.

''I wanted to find out more about this issue as my passion is lifesaving. Perhaps I could be of help organising lifeguard service in Phuket?

''I would like to find out who I can talk to regarding this situation. If you can provide me with this information, I would be very appreciative. Sincerely, Dennis Yune, President, US Ocean Safety.''

Both emails have been passed on to the appropriate people.

The budget for the year's surf lifesaving on Phuket is 20 million baht. That arrangement has failed to attract any tenders because the deal is for 83 trained lifesavers at 14 beaches - but the contract has to be won all over again each year.

A combination of a volunteer system, encouragement of beach culture among the young, training that lasts a lifetime and world-class equipment would suit Phuket well.

There's now hope such a plan is on the way.