A woman has raised concerns about the drowning incident involving her brother at a popular beach in Thailand, suggesting that better lifeguard training could have prevented the tragedy.
According to Lauren Smy, her brother Jason Lambert, 37, tragically lost his life after being swept out to sea while swimming at Freedom Beach in Phuket on 29 November. Smy emphasized the swift nature of the incident, noting that Lambert was caught in a rip current along with seven others, including herself.
Smy described the harrowing experience, recalling how Lambert was rescued and bystanders initiated CPR efforts. She highlighted the chaos of the moment, expressing her panic as she struggled in the turbulent waters alongside her brother.
Despite being rushed to Patong Hospital, Lambert was pronounced dead later that day. While the UK coroner classified his death as accidental, Smy pointed out the alleged lack of essential training on the part of the lifeguard present at the scene.
Expressing frustration, Smy emphasized the importance of proper lifeguard procedures, claiming that critical steps were not followed during the rescue attempt. She recounted her distress at witnessing the lifeguard’s actions and took action by confiscating his phone when she saw him recording the incident instead of providing assistance.
Lambert, a father of four and a bouncer from Colchester, was on a family trip in Asia at the time of the incident. Authorities, including Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanan Mekchai of Patong Police Station, confirmed the sequence of events leading to Lambert’s tragic death, highlighting the community’s efforts to assist in the rescue operation.
Eyewitnesses, such as Chariya Thaweerat Howells, further detailed the tumultuous scene at the beach, where bystanders rushed to aid those caught in the strong waves. The collective response led to the rescue of several individuals, although Lambert could not be revived despite the initial CPR attempts.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by natural elements, emphasizing the importance of well-trained lifeguards and swift emergency response procedures in coastal areas.