Phuket OrSor volunteers receive water rescue training for disaster response
OrSor volunteers from across Phuket have undergone water rescue training to support authorities during floods and other water-related emergencies.
Volunteer Defence Corps members from all OrSor companies across Phuket took part in water rescue training on Wednesday, June 24, as part of a programme to strengthen local disaster response.
The latest session was held by the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre Region 18 Office in Phuket 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 officials said is part of a nationwide initiative to improve coordination between the Department of Provincial Administration and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation by integrating personnel, equipment and training at the local level.
OrSor volunteers trained alongside officers from DDPM Region 18. Instructors from the Phang Nga Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation provided classroom and practical instruction.
The course focused on basic water rescue principles recognised internationally, including the “Shout, Throw, Reach” method, which is designed to help a person in difficulty without unnecessarily putting 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 said the programme is intended to prepare OrSor volunteers to support DDPM officers and rescue foundations during floods and other water-related emergencies by providing additional trained manpower.
They stressed that the training is not meant to replace lifeguards or professional beach rescue teams. Instead, OrSor volunteers are to serve as an additional disaster-response force to support professional emergency services when needed.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving the readiness of local personnel to respond quickly, safely and effectively, with the goal of reducing injuries, loss of life and property damage during water-related disasters.
