Viroj Saweangphon, the head of the club, asked members of the public to follow the flag system set up daily on Phuket’s beaches.
“Red means no swimming in the area because there is a strong current. Two half-red-half-yellow flags means ‘Swim only between the flags’,” Mr Viroj said.
He said there are now 106 trained lifeguards in 33 different locations on 13 beaches on Phuket. The lifeguards are on duty from 9am to 7pm every day.
“Whether it is high season or monsoon season, there is no guarantee the beaches are safe, because accidents can happen at any time when sea conditions change.
“There are also hidden dangers such as rips, jellyfish and high waves. But the risks are greater during the monsoon season,” Mr Viroj said.
“Most people who die in the sea die while swimming at night, swimming while drunk, or swimming in the red-flag areas. In some countries it is illegal to swim during the night, or to go against the advice of the lifeguards.
“Bit it is not illegal in Thailand and we prefer to warn people nicely. However we do ask that people listen and respect our warnings.”