PHUKET TRAVEL & TOURS

1. Swim at a patrolled beach Australia has more than 11,000 beaches - some are considered the most beautiful in the world, but some are also the most dangerous in the world due to large waves, rip currents and shifting sandbars. Unless you are an experienced swimmer or surfer you should always swim at patrolled beaches, to find your nearest patrolled beach visit the Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) website
2. Always swim between the red and yellow flags Despite many safety awareness campaigns telling beachgoers to swim between the flags, a survey by Science of the Surf (SOS) found that 80 percent of respondents admitted to swimming outside the flags. Lifesavers set the flags up in the safest part of the beach, and this is the area they will be watching. Check for signs about the day's conditions, dangerous currents, or marine stingers such as blue bottles.
3. Ask lifesavers for advice If you are not a regular beachgoer or are swimming at an unfamiliar beach, it is a good idea to have a chat to the lifesavers who are on patrol. They can tell you about the conditions at the beach that day.
4. Swim with a friend You've heard of the buddy system? Going to the beach with a friend or group of friends means you can watch out for each other and make sure you come out of the water. Tell lifesavers immediately if you have any concerns about a friend who has gone into the water and not returned to the beach.
5. Put your hand up If you get into trouble when you are swimming - do not panic. Do not try to swim against the current, try to float and dive under any waves. Attract the lifesavers' attention by raising one arm in the air.
6. Watch your children Lifesavers are not babysitters. Keep small children (under five) within arm's reach at all times when in the water. Accompany older children to the water's edge and keep a close eye on them. Do not let children go into the water without supervision.
7. Put children in bright swimwear Have your children wear bright and eye-catching swimwear — such as swim vests and board shorts - this will make it easier for you to pick them out in a crowd and will make them easier for lifesavers to see.
8. Organise a meeting point Show your children a spot on the beach (such as the lifesavers' tent or tower) and tell them to return to that point if they get lost or separated from you. Make a mental note of what they are wearing in case you need to report them missing to the lifesavers, it is also a good idea to keep a recent photo of them in your purse or wallet.
9. Teach your kids how to swim Seventy percent of Australia's population live on the coast and the water is a big part of our lives - especially in summer. Children can start learning how to swim when they are just a few months old. This will teach them vital water skills and give them confidence in the water, as well as being a great way to keep fit and active.
10. Teach your kids about the beach Nippers is a junior program that introduces children aged five to 13 to surf lifesaving. Kids will learn vital beach safety skills, such as how to identify a rip, how to swim in the surf and prevent getting into danger and how to safely get out of trouble. Locate your nearest club on the SLSA website and learn how children can become a nipper.

Charities on Phuket Island.

PCs4Kids

PCs4Kids is a voluntary organization which re-builds functioning computers from donated components. The computers are then given to under-privileged kids in Phuket. In this way, they can get a chance to learn skills which will support a future career, whether it’s in IT, business or academia.

If you are travelling to Phuket and have some old, but not too old Ram, Hard drives, Mainboards etc, then they will be gladly received.

This Gazette article has more information. PCs4Kids needs your help

Phuket Has Been Good to Us

Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation works to improve the economic opportunities and life chances of young people, by funding and implementing high quality, practical English language education in government schools on Phuket Island.

To find out how you could help, have a look at thier website "Phuket Has Been Good to Us".

Home Life Thailand Orphanage

Home Life Orphanage takes care of kids orphaned by the 2004 Tsunami.

This from the Manager..." Sawasdee krap. The month by month there is struggle for food and operating cost spending . Together with our self generating income by Home&Life Coffee Bakery shop , ,Craft,etc. We trying and wishing how to success! .But still to far from the covering cost for all expenses ; education ,food , fuel,medicine , communication,school transportation,pocket money for student ,etc. Those are important for 25 growing kids in target. . Eventually it will not be possible without your mercy ."

To find out how you could help, have a look at thier website "Home Life Thailand".

SHE Thailand

Started in 2006, SHE (Self Help and Empowerment) is a Christian charity committed to helping women and children at risk in Thailand, many of whom are trapped in the commercial sex trade.

SHE is dedicated to providing employment, vocational training and counseling for women who want to help themselves out of this industry. All proceeds to SHE Thailand go directly to helping them find employment, community, friendship, restoration, and above all restoration of their own value.

To find out more information, please to to the SHE Thailand website.

The Phuket Animal Welfare Society

The Phuket Animal Welfare Society(PAWS) is a fully licensed and registered charity foundation with the long term objective of reducing the stray dog and cat populations here in Phuket and helping to educate the local population in effective and humane animal management.

As well as our sterilisation programme, taking care of animals in need is also critically important. Whether its a small infection, or a broken limb, PAWS vets are always on hand to help. Our vets are also hugely active in educating the local population on effective animal management and care techniques - liaising with local government, schools and villages to get maximum exposure.

PAWS shelter can be visited and donations of dog food are readily accepted.

Contact can be made through the web at Phuket Animal Welfare Society

Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation

Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation still relies totally on the generous support of many caring individuals and private organizations from Thailand and abroad for its financing.

You can help by either donating goods or food directly to our village or please contact the foundation directly, or we can pass messages on to them. It appears the website is having problems, so contact us for a list of currently required items.

Please keep in mind that it might be difficult to get some item through customs, therefore we recommend to purchase all items that you want to donate here in Phuket.

Phuket Rex, a local character and Trip Advisor regular who recently passed away, was heavily involved with this charity

You can also transfer funds to thier bank account or donate online.

Service Organisations on Phuket Island.

Lions Club International

Lions Club International has nearly 300 Lions Clubs in Thailand. It is a service organization that has a strong impact on the community. Check their website to find out more, Lions Clubs

Grumpy Old Mens Society

Grumpy Old Mens Society (GOMS) was formed by a bunch of Phuket men who wanted to help out local people down on thier luck.

To find out how you could help, have a look at thier website Grumpy Old Mens Society

Rotory International

What would it take to change the world? Rotary's 1.2 million members believe it starts with a commitment to Service Above Self.

Rotary has more than 34,000 clubs worldwide, you'll find members volunteering in communities at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio.

Thailand has nearly 300 Rotary Clubs. Contact can be made through the web at Rotary International

Chicky Net

Chicky Net is the social network for expat women living in Thailand.

From its modest start as a Facebook group for expat women in Phuket to its prominence as a national network with over 2,000 members, Chicky Net has always kept a strong focus on building community. The social networking site aims to make women’s lives in Thailand easy, safe, and most of all, fun. Now, with the expansion of the site to major cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin connections, advice, and potential friends are all just a click away. The network is women only and membership is free.

Come join them at Chicky Net