The warning comes after Patong Municipality released its June rescue summary, showing lifeguards rescued 33 swimmers caught in rip currents at Patong Beach during the month.
Patong lifeguard supervisor Somprasong Saengchat said calm, sunny weather does not mean the sea is safe.
“Even if the weather looks nice for swimming, people still need to be careful of rip currents,” he said.
“We are in the monsoon season now, and even a bright sky does not mean there are no rip currents. Please follow the flag colours. If the flag is red, don’t go into the water.”
Mr Somprasong said beachgoers should always check the warning flags before entering the sea.
“Red flags indicate areas where swimming is strictly prohibited. Red-and-yellow flags mark the designated swimming zones, but swimmers should avoid going too far offshore because most drowning incidents are caused by rip currents,” he said.
He also advised visitors to swim only between 9am and 6:30pm, when lifeguards are on full patrol.
“Avoid swimming before or after these times because sea conditions are often rougher and there are fewer lifeguards on duty, making it difficult to provide comprehensive supervision,” he said.
According to the June rescue summary, daytime lifeguards responded to eight water sports injuries, five of which required ambulance transfers to hospital. They also assisted two people in distress at sea, including one tourist who lost consciousness in the water and was taken to Patong Hospital.
Overall, daytime crews transferred nine people to hospital and classified 59 incidents as minor, 16 as moderate, two as serious and one as fatal.
Night shift lifeguards handled a further 26 assistance calls in the Bangla Rd entertainment district, including incidents involving intoxicated people, fights and medical emergencies. Seven people were taken to hospital and two cases were referred to police.
The operations were carried out by Patong Municipality’s 24-hour lifeguard service in cooperation with Patong Police, Patong Hospital, the Patong Development Foundation and local rescue organisations.
Mr Somprasong also added that anyone needing assistance, reporting lost property or seeking information should visit one of the yellow lifeguard tents along the beach.
“If you have any problems, lose any belongings, have questions, need advice or require assistance, please come to the yellow tent on the beach. Lifeguards are stationed there at all times,” he said.