TAT issues swimming warning

PHUKET: The local branch of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today warned that people should not swim at beaches where red flags or warning signs indicate that it is unsafe to do so. The warning was issued, the TAT said, in light of statistics that show that drowning is the leading cause of death among tourists during the southwestern monsoon season, which stretches from May to October. The Phuket Provincial Administration Organization has set up nine lifeguard stations to watch over and, if necessary, rescue people who choose to swim despite the warnings. The lookout stations will be manned until October 31 this year. There are two stations on Patong Beach, three at Karon, two at Kata, one at Kata Noi, and one on Nai Harn Beach.