The training is not intended to replace lifeguards or professional rescue teams at Phuket’s beaches. Instead, it is aimed at equipping OrSor volunteers to assist authorities during floods and other water-related emergencies under a national cooperation agreement between the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre Region 18 Office in Phuket held the latest training session on Wednesday (June 24) at the Mai Khao OrBorTor offices before moving to Pak Phra Beach for practical exercises.
DDPM Region 18 Director Wasan Chaiyathawiwong opened the course, which forms part of a nationwide initiative to improve coordination between the two government agencies by integrating personnel, equipment and training at the local level.
Volunteer Defence Corps members from all OrSor companies across Phuket took part alongside officers from DDPM Region 18. Instructors from the Phang Nga Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation delivered both classroom and practical training.
The course focused on internationally recognised basic water rescue principles, including the ‘Shout, Throw, Reach’ method, which emphasises assisting a person in difficulty without unnecessarily placing rescuers at risk.
Participants were also trained to assess water conditions before attempting rescues, use life jackets, lifebuoys and rescue ropes correctly, and respond to simulated water rescue scenarios during exercises at Pak Phra Beach in Mai Khao.
Officials explained that the programme is designed to give OrSor volunteers the skills needed to support DDPM officers and rescue foundations during floods and other water-related disasters, providing additional trained manpower when emergencies occur.
The initiative is intended to improve the readiness of local personnel to respond quickly, safely and effectively, with the aim of reducing injuries, loss of life and property damage during water-related disasters.
Although the training includes practical water rescue techniques, officials stressed that OrSor volunteers are not being deployed as beach lifeguards. Instead, they will serve as an additional disaster-response force capable of supporting professional emergency services when required.
For many foreign residents and visitors, OrSor members are most recognisable by their military-style uniforms while assisting police during raids or staffing road checkpoints. The new training marks an expansion of their role beyond security support into emergency disaster response.