UPDATE: Tourist rescued after entering red-flagged water at Phuket’s Nai Thon Beach

A tourist was rescued at Phuket’s Nai Thon Beach on 22 August after entering the sea despite lifeguard warnings and a red flag indicating dangerous conditions.

Lifeguards reportedly tried to persuade the woman not to swim in the restricted area. One report said she insisted that she had “flown here just to swim”. She nevertheless entered the water.

Strong waves and currents soon swept her away, leaving her unable to return to shore. Lifeguards entered the sea and brought her back to the beach. The Thaiger reported that the woman was unconscious after she was pulled from the water. Images from the incident showed lifeguards and bystanders attending to her.

Nai Thon lifeguards said some tourists continue to ignore warnings and enter areas marked with red flags. Officials said red-and-yellow flags mark designated swimming areas where lifeguards are on duty, helping them keep swimmers within sight and respond quickly in emergencies.

Nai Thon Beach is about one kilometre long, and officials warned that swimming outside the designated lifeguard area increases the risk of drowning. Tourists are being urged to follow lifeguard instructions and respect red flags, which indicate dangerous sea conditions, including strong waves and currents.