Patong lifeguards keep rip-current warning in place after 33 June rescues
Lifeguards rescued 33 swimmers caught in rip currents at Patong Beach in June and urged visitors to follow warning flags during the monsoon season.
Patong lifeguards are maintaining warnings about rip currents after rescuing 33 swimmers caught in the currents at Patong Beach during June, according to Patong Municipality’s rescue summary.
Patong lifeguard supervisor Somprasong Saengchat said sunny weather did not guarantee safe sea conditions during the monsoon season. He urged beachgoers to check warning flags before entering the water.
Red flags indicate that swimming is strictly prohibited, while red-and-yellow flags mark designated swimming areas. Mr Somprasong advised swimmers not to go too far offshore and to swim only between 9am and 6:30pm, when lifeguards are on full patrol.
Daytime lifeguards also responded to eight water-sports injuries in June. Five people were transferred to hospital by ambulance, while two people in distress at sea were assisted, including a tourist who lost consciousness and was taken to Patong Hospital.
In total, daytime crews transferred nine people to hospital and recorded 59 minor, 16 moderate, two serious and one fatal incident.
Night-shift lifeguards handled 26 assistance calls in the Bangla Rd entertainment district. Seven people were taken to hospital and two cases were referred to police.
The 24-hour service operates with Patong Police, Patong Hospital, the Patong Development Foundation and local rescue organisations. Lifeguards are stationed at yellow tents along the beach to provide assistance and information.
