Lifeguards rescue foreign woman after she removes warning flag at Patong Beach

Lifeguards on Patong Beach in Phuket rescued a foreign woman after she removed a red warning flag and entered rough seas on June 10.

A witness, Sarid Pongpawn, shared video of the incident on Facebook and said lifeguards prevented a dangerous situation. In his caption, he described the episode as a “heart-stopping moment” and thanked the lifeguards for the rescue.

The footage showed lifeguards watching a woman in a red T-shirt as she walked along the beach toward a rocky stretch of shoreline. She then removed a red warning flag that had been placed to alert visitors to hazardous sea conditions.

The woman entered the water and climbed onto rocks near the shore. One lifeguard recorded the incident while repeatedly telling her to move away from the area for her own safety. The video also showed strong winds and rough waves, and at one point a wave hit the woman from behind and nearly knocked her off the rocks.

Lifeguards later persuaded her to leave the area and escorted her away from the water. Patong Police were then contacted to assist.

According to Amarin TV, the woman was later involved in further incidents along the beach road that evening. The broadcaster reported that she removed her clothing and walked naked in a public area while displaying disruptive behaviour.

A 25-year-old masseuse told reporters the woman allegedly attacked her and that she fought back in self-defence. Police reportedly searched the woman’s belongings and found a package containing cannabis. Officers told local media they suspected her behaviour may have been linked to cannabis consumption, although no official medical assessment was reported.

Police later located the woman’s younger sister at a salon in the area. Officers said the sister confirmed she was able to care for her sibling. Amarin TV reported that the masseuse chose not to file a complaint, and police allowed the sisters to return to their accommodation.