Phuket, Thailand –
Beach Safety is an essential consideration during any holiday as there have been countless tragedies that can tear apart families on global island holidays due to individual’s underestimating water conditions. Phuket is no different given that the reputation of the island is one with calm, clear and harmless waters… while the island is safe for the majority of the year, this is not always the case.
In order to ensure that your Phuket trip is as safe as possible we’ve provided the following information for educative purposes:
Be Wary During Monsoon Season
The Monsoon season, running from May to October, can be a great time to visit the island given the lowest travel numbers (and prices), however the ocean conditions can, at times, be very temperamental and unpredictable.
The Monsoon season, also referred to as the Phuket Wet Season or Phuket Rainy season, affords Mother Nature the chance to make an impact. However, don’t expect the conditions to always be horrid as there are many days during this time where the weather is immaculate.
Despite this it is always necessary during the Phuket Rainy Season to keep a close eye on weather conditions, and if they take a turn for the worse, remember the following tips to ensure that your trip is as safe as possible:
1. Swim in Designated Areas
When the fickle weather hits during the Monsoon season it brings with it stormy sea conditions and therefore strong currents and dangerous waves. During this time it is crucial to abide by local beach conditions which means to swim within the designated areas that are patrolled by lifeguards. This means that you’ll be monitored by experienced swimmers and, if you hit a spot of bother, can be assisted if need be.
2. Avoid Strong Currents
The sea is a dangerous beast at times, and partly responsible for this are rip currents. These fast-moving currents can spell trouble for even the most experienced of swimmers, and occur when a narrow, fast-moving section of water travels in an offshore direction. This can cause extreme panic for novice swimmers especially as they get pulled out into deeper waters. While there are recommended practices when stuck in a rip current, it is best to avoid them altogether – and this is done by avoiding waters when conditions are extreme!
3. Take Heed of Warning Flags
The Thai government has a flag system that they implement where swimming conditions are not ideal. These flags come in two colours – yellow advising people to be cautious while red flags advise swimmers to avoid the waters as these flags indicate very dangerous conditions. Make sure to look for these flags if you are uncertain on whether you should enter the sea or not, and if you see a red flag – stay out. .
4. Keep An Eye on the Kids
This one is pretty obvious but it needs to be said – ensure that your children are under your supervision at ALL TIMES. This is of course crucial when the sea conditions are dire but it is also equally important during calmer conditions as children are not able to identify the dangers as quickly as adults. Always keep them within sight, even if they are playing along the shoreline.
Staying Safe in Phuket
Beach Safety in Phuket is a crucial consideration. It is something that needs to be a focus during your visit, especially if you are venturing to Thailand during the monsoon season. Remember to monitor weather conditions before heading to the beach, swim where supervision is available, observe and follow warning flags, and always keep a close eye on the children.
Despite these warnings, Phuket is for the vast majority of the time a very safe experience and one that is guaranteed to deliver the island experience you’ve been searching for. We look forward to welcoming you on board!
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