Karon remains Phuket’s deadliest beach as officials push unified lifeguard system

Karon Beach recorded 20 drowning deaths between 2024 and 2026, making it Phuket’s deadliest beach and accounting for more than one-third of all fatalities recorded during the period, according to figures compiled by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation.

Kata and Surin beaches recorded five deaths each, followed by Patong and Mai Khao with four each. Kamala and Ley Phang recorded three deaths each, while Nai Thon and Sai Kaew had two each. One drowning death was recorded at each of Ao Por, Bang Tao, Nai Yang, Freedom Beach, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi.

By district, Mueang recorded the highest toll with 27 deaths, followed by Thalang with 19 and Kathu with 10.

In response, ISOC Phuket this week proposed placing lifeguard services under a single authority to improve standards, training and rescue coordination across the island.

At a meeting attended by representatives from the PPAO, the Phuket Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, local authorities, beachfront businesses and lifeguard groups, the PPAO was identified as the proposed lead agency to oversee lifeguard operations province-wide, with support from the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s Phuket office.

The meeting also called for additional safety measures, including multilingual warning signs at beaches and other high-risk coastal areas to better alert foreign visitors to dangerous swimming conditions, especially rip currents during the southwest monsoon season from May through October.