The Phuket Lifeguard Service closed the beaches at Mai Khao, Nai Thon, Surin, Laem Sing and Karon yesterday (Aug 16) due to severe weather conditions. (See story here.)
“There are some areas where tourists can still enter the water. The sections of beaches at Nai Harn, Kata, Patong, Kamala, Nai Yang and some parts of Bang Tao are open and welcome all swimmers,” Phuket Lifeguard Service Chief Prathaiyut Chuayuan told The Phuket News today.
“But please, swim between red-and-yellow flags only,” he urged.
“We are serious about keeping tourists safe until the weather is better for swimming at the beach,” Prathaiyut said.
The beach closures follow a Russian tourist dying after falling victim to the strong waves at Karon Beach on Sunday (Aug 14). (See story here.)
Lifeguards also rescued three Chinese tourists – two at Patong and one at Kata – from strong surf yesterday (See story here.)
The beach closures and the posting of the red flags to prevent swimmers from entering the dangerous surf follows the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a weather warning for Phuket and the Andaman Coast warning of strong waves and heavy rain from Sunday through to Thursday (Aug 18). (See story here.)