Rawai staff boost water safety measures at Nai Harn

PHUKET: Rawai staff will be standing watch at Nai Harn lagoon this weekend as part of a move to increase safety measures after the drowning of 9-year-old Sarun Srisongkram last weekend (story here).

“School breaks are coming up and I am worried about children drowning in the lagoon,” Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos said.

There will be at least one staff member from the Rawai Municipality Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) keeping watch at the lagoon starting from midday to about sunset. Another staffer will be added on busy days, such as during the upcoming Songkran celebrations.

However, this doesn’t alleviate parents of their responsibility to protect their children and ensure their safety, added Mr Aroon.

“I again want to urge parents to take responsibility for their children and try to prevent drownings. Many children have died already; we do not want anymore. We can not watch your kids for you at all times. Please do not leave them alone,” Mr Aroon said.

Four new warning signs have been placed around the lagoon in three different languages:Thai, Chinese and English. The sign informs parents and swimmers of the dangerous current created by the sluice.

— Chutharat Plerin