As the wave season approaches, it is important to equip beach lifeguards with necessary equipment, including litter kits and inflatable boats, according to Sirawee Waloh, director of Phuket’s Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports. She said that not all beaches are protected by professional lifeguards, which is unacceptable.
In February, Bangkok-based consultancy LP Laikhum Co., Ltd. was awarded a government contract to provide lifeguards to patrol Surin, Nai Thon, Mak Khao, and Bang Tao beaches. In other areas, local authorities were to independently provide lifeguards. For example, Patong’s Municipal Office has employed Phuket Lifeguard Service, and in Lea Pang the beach is under the supervision of the local National Emergency Management Department office.