I might rename this blog Death Watch. Juan Jose Gonzalez Jnr, 41, from Britain died while swimming of the coast of Koh Pha-Ngan. He lived in Brighton and was in Thailand as part of a round-the-world trip. (theargus.co.uk)

There have been too many cases of tourists drowning while on holiday in Thailand. People, even strong swimmers, often underestimate the water. With very few lifeguards, swimmers can easily get into trouble.

I’m told that the best way to survive being caught in a rip current is to ride it out and allow yourself to be taken with it. Struggling against a rip current will only tire a swimmer out. I’m not saying Mr Gonzalez Jnr was caught in such a current, but a number of people have died in Thailand because they tried to move against the flow of water.