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Two British Tourists Rescued from Phuket Beach After Drowning
Two British men were pulled unconscious from the sea at Nai Thon Beach in Phuket's Thalang district on July 11, 2026. Lifeguards administered first aid on the beach until both men regained consciousness, and both were then taken to Thalang Hospital, where they were confirmed to be in stable condition under medical supervision.
What Happened
Samuel Ernest Preston, 34, and Jacob William Scott, 40, both British nationals, were rescued by lifeguards after getting into serious difficulty in the water at Nai Thon Beach. Sakhu Police Station responded to the incident. The lifeguards worked on both men at the scene before emergency services transported them to Thalang Hospital. Hospital staff confirmed both were stable.
Monsoon Season and Beach Safety
This incident happened during Phuket's monsoon season, which runs roughly from May through October. During this period, sea conditions along Phuket's west-facing beaches can shift quickly, with strong currents and powerful waves catching swimmers off guard.
A related incident occurred in June 2026 at Patong Beach, where a foreign woman removed a red warning flag and entered rough water. Lifeguards had to rescue her after a wave nearly swept her off the rocks.
What Tourists Need to Know
A few things worth understanding if you are heading to any Phuket beach during the wetter months:
- Red flags mean stay out. They are not advisory, and removing them, as happened at Patong, puts you and others at greater risk.
- Lifeguards have authority. If a lifeguard tells you to get out of the water, get out. Their instructions are based on what they can see from the shore.
- Conditions change fast. Even a calm-looking beach can have dangerous currents beneath the surface during monsoon season.
- Medical help is nearby. Thalang Hospital serves the Nai Thon Beach area and is accessible if something goes wrong.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.