A 43-year-old British tourist tragically lost his life while swimming in the waters off Karon Beach in Phuket, Thailand. Despite prominent red flags warning visitors to stay out of the water due to strong rip currents and whirlpools, the tourist chose to ignore these safety signals. He was swimming with a friend when he was suddenly sucked into a channel and struggled to cope with the powerful current.
The incident occurred around 4:10 pm, and a friend on the shore quickly raised the alarm. A lifeguard helped pull the tourist back onto the beach, where CPR was administered. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the tourist did not survive and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Phuket’s beaches, particularly Karon and Kata, are known for their strong currents during the monsoon season, which runs from September to December. Local authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to safety warnings, especially during this time. Lieutenant Colonel Eakkasak Fanwhan warned that even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard by the hidden currents and whirlpools, making it crucial for visitors to heed the red flags and avoid swimming in prohibited areas.
