Attention, travelers heading to Phuket, Thailand: Lifeguard services will be unavailable at 13 west coast beaches starting October 1

▲ The Phuket Lifeguard Team will suspend rescue services at 13 west coast beaches starting today (1st), and visitors will be responsible for their own safety. (Illustration / Provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Phuket Island, located in the southern waters of Thailand, is renowned for its stunning seascape that attracts large numbers of tourists for swimming and water activities every year. However, the Phuket Lifeguard Team recently announced that, starting today (1st), it will suspend rescue services at 13 beaches on the western coast, and visitors will be responsible for their own safety.

According to The Phuket News, the lifeguard service provider Phuket Lifeguard Services (PLS) will terminate its marine rescue operations starting October 1. The reason is a budget disagreement between the local council and PLS, which led to the failure to renew the contract. If no new company bids for the service, the 13 beaches on the western coast of Phuket will be left without lifeguards, significantly impacting the safety of swimmers.

▲ Phuket, Thailand. (Illustration / Photo by reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

On September 29, Phuket Mayor Chalermluck also confirmed that Phuket Lifeguard Services (PLS) would not renew its contract for lifeguard duties on the island’s west coast. The reason given was the company’s lack of funds to equip itself with more comprehensive medical gear, as well as the small size of the current first aid stations. The immediate priority, according to Chalermluck, is to expand the medical equipment. He also promised that the government would try to allocate more budget to the lifeguard company.