If you are traveling to Phuket, water sports must be at the top of your itinerary. While these activities are fun and give you a dose of adrenaline, safety during water sports should be your main priority. Phuket beaches can be dangerous during rip tide and rainy season. Before booking Phuket boat tours to the stunning beaches and bays, you must understand beach and water safety.
In this blog, we will discuss the flag system of Phuket beaches, how to deal with rip tides and some safety tips.
Phuket During Monsoon Season
The rainy season, or low season in Phuket, runs from May to late October. During this season, the west coast beaches, like Surin and Patong Beach, are affected by southwest monsoons. The waves are very strong with rip currents, and driftwood washed up. These beaches can be dangerous to swim if you don’t follow the rules.
Before booking tours in Phuket, read these tips to stay safe on the beaches during monsoon season –
Stay Updated on Weather Conditions
You must check the weather forecast before embarking on Phuket boat trips. If you are heading to the beach, websites, apps, and news sources can provide information about the weather. If the forecast predicts rough tides or thunderstorms, it is better to avoid venturing into the water.
Exercise Caution While Swimming
Phuket experiences turbulent sea conditions, strong currents, and rough waves during the rainy season. If you are swimming, stay in the designated areas patrolled by lifeguards. However, if you aren’t a confident swimmer, it’s best to avoid swimming and be safe on the shores.
Pay Close Attention to Flags
The local authorities use flag systems to indicate safety and swimming conditions. Before getting in the water, pay close attention to these flags. Adhere to the flag recommendations, and don’t swim if they’re red.
Beware of Rip Tides
Rip currents are so strong that they can pull even experienced swimmers away from the shore. If caught in rip tides, let the current take you out, and don’t panic. Once the current slows down, swim parallel to the shore and make your way back. We will discuss rip tides more later in this blog.
Keep a Watchful Eye on Kids
Take extra precautions if you are taking Phuket day tours to beaches with kids and toddlers. The rough sea conditions during monsoon can be unpredictable. Even if they are playing in shallow waters, always keep a watchful eye on them.
Choose Reliable Tour Operators
It is also essential to book tours with reliable operators who offer high-quality, safe boats and can advise you about water conditions. Simba Sea Trips provides group and private tours in the highest-standard boats. The boat tours have experienced guides who ensure precautions and prioritize safety.
Beach Flag System
Flags are visual communication systems to convey water conditions and potential beach hazards. As discussed above, you must understand the flag system before visiting Phuket beaches.
A green flag indicates calm water conditions that make it safe for swimming.
A yellow flag suggests moderate currents and recommends swimmers exercise caution.
A red flag warns about high surf and strong water currents. It is used during dangerous conditions, and swimmers are advised to stay out of water if this flag is flying.
If you notice half-yellow and half-red flags at the beach, they indicate swimming zones set up by lifeguards.
Rip Tides
If you are hopping on Phuket boat trips during the rainy season, rip tides can be very frequent. This tide is a powerful and narrow current of water that is most common in coastal areas. Here are the guidelines to follow if you are swimming in a rip tide –
Keep yourself afloat by treading water, and don’t panic.
Swim parallel to the shoreline rather than against the current.
If you can’t swim, signal for help by waving and calling out to people. Conserve your energy until the tide slows down or help arrives.
Thus, Phuket’s monsoon seasons are a unique experience but require careful consideration. The best course of action is to prevent getting caught swimming in unfavorable water conditions. However, if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, follow the information and tips above. Be a smart and cautious traveler, and always prioritize safety.
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