Thread: Rayong Mae Ram Pueng beach Drownings

Drownings force safety makeover

Popular Rayong beach to install swim buoys
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

Buoys will be installed to mark a safe swimming zone at Rayong's famous Mae Ram Pueng beach after two tourists drowned there in separate incidents over two weeks. The buoys are part of an plan to improve the wave and current warning system at the beach, said National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department chief Chalermsak Wanichsombat.
''Officials will also reposition about 100 food stalls along the beach because they are unsightly and obstruct the warning signs,'' he said.

The move comes after two tourists, including a high school student, drowned because they were overcome by strong waves and cold water while swimming at the beach.

The department has sent out warnings that the beach is not safe for swimming during the monsoon season. However, a lot of tourists, mostly teenagers, disregard the warnings, he said.

An average of four people drown each year at the 12km-long beach in the Khao Laem Ya-Moo Ko Samet Marine National Park, according to department records.

Park chief Sittichai Sereesongsaeng blamed a shortage of park officials for the repeated beach tragedies.
''It is impossible for the park office to take care of tourists because we have very few staff,'' he said.
''We have repeatedly sent out warning messages against swimming in the sea during monsoon season, but few tourists have paid attention to our warnings,'' Mr Sittichai said.

Park officials also encourage tourists to wear life preservers, he said, adding a beach-watch and disaster warning tower should be set up to improve emergency response.

But he rejected a proposal to close the beach during the monsoon season, saying closure would draw loud protests from restaurant and bungalow operators.

''Warning signs against strong waves and currents have even been trashed by people who fear the signs will destroy the atmosphere for tourists,'' he said.

Thorn Thamrungnavasavat, a marine scientist at Kasetsart University, said the seabed near Mae Ram Pueng beach was an underwater abyss that was very dangerous for swimmers.

Other beaches, such as Mae Pim and Saengchan beaches in Rayong and Surin beach in Phuket, are also unsafe for tourists, said Mr Thorn. ''I don't think people should be banned from visiting the beach, but they should be informed about the danger and know how to protect themselves,'' he said.

Bangkok Post