Phuket Poll: How can we effectively warn tourists of drowning dangers?

PHUKET: The disappearance of an American student Joshua Shane, who went swimming with friends at Patong Beach on Tuesday night, once again raises the issue of how best to warn tourists about the dangers of swimming along Phuket’s west coast beaches during the monsoon season.

Reliable sources told the Phuket Gazette that the group of students who entered the surf near their resort had no advance warning of the dangers offshore. While some were hesitant to enter the pounding surf, others noticed a sign that indicated a “swimming area”. None, however, noticed warning signs or red flags flying in the night sky.

Given this and the many other recent factors involved, the new Gazette online poll asks which of six approaches would be the most practical and effective at minimizing the death toll.

To take part in the poll click here.

If you have already voted and wish to view the latest results click here.