The victim, 50 years old*, was taken to Patong Hospital after lifeguards recovered him from strong surf attempted to resuscitate him on the sand.
Lifeguards stationed at the beach said the man had ignored red flags – indicating “no swimming” – and entered the water near the Naga statue, about halfway along the beach.
This morning, Phuket Lifeguard Service posted a video on Facebook showing sections of Phuket beaches closed off due to strong waves. (See here.)
A staffer at the Phuket Lifeguard Service confirmed to The Phuket News today that sections of the beach at Naithon, Kata and Karon.
“Swimmers are advised to heed any red flags they see at Phuket beaches. This is for their own safety,” the staffer said.
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 through to Thursday (Aug 18). (See story here.)
* Name withheld until it has been confirmed that his family have been notified.