Phuket beach guard starts February

PHUKET: Beach guards are set to begin ensuring safety at Phuket beaches again in February, the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (PPAO) has announced.

PPAO President Paiboon Upatising said he would announce the winners of two five-million-baht contracts to provide lifeguard services at west coast beaches on January 29.

Last year, LP Laikham Co held a single contract to supply beach guards at 22 points on Phuket beaches.

The contract with LP Laikham expired on November 12 and was not renewed due to ‘managerial issues,’ according to the PPAO.

For our previous story, click here.

This year the beaches included in the project will be divided into two zones: north and south.

Companies winning contracts will provide lifeguards and safety equipment at beaches under their jurisdiction.

South zone beaches and the required coverage is as follows:

Nai Harn: 2 stations, 6 beach guards;

Ya Nui: 1 station, 2 beach guards;

Kata Noi: 1 station, 3 beach guards;

Kata: 2 stations, 6 beach guards;

Karon: 4 stations, 12 beach guards;

Patong: 4 stations, 12 beach guards.

Total: 14 units, 41 beach guards.

North zone beaches and the required coverage is as follows:

Laem Singh: 1 station, 3 beach guards;

Kamala: 2 stations, 6 beach guards;

Surin: 2 stations, 6 beach guards;

Bang Tao: 4 stations, 12 beach guards;

Nai Thon: 1 station, 4 beach guards;

Nai Yang: 2 stations, 6 beach guards;

Mai Khao: 2 stations, 6 beach guards.

Total: 14 units, 42 beach guards.

Mr Paiboon warned tourists that the presence of beach guards did not mean they should ignore red flags warning against swimming.

“No matter how many beach guards we have, we can’t protect tourists’ lives if they don’t obey the beach guards’ advice,” he said.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan