It has been 8 days since 6 people were using 2 SUP boards to paddle in the sea and were swept away by the waves on Phu Quy Island on the afternoon of October 26. Currently 5 people have been rescued safely, but one young man is still missing.
Phu Quy islanders and authorities searched for many days, diving in every location, on islands and rocks around the island but still had no results.
The family of the unfortunate victim was very sad. The affection of the people of Phu Quy island who supported the search for many days, using canoes to search, even flying flycams to search, somewhat eased the family's pain.
SUP or stand up paddle boarding is the abbreviation of the water sport with the full name Stand up paddle boarding, originating from South American countries. SUP participants often stand on the board and use the paddle to push themselves forward with many different complex operations.
From 2022 to now, the spontaneous SUP rowing movement has flourished on Phu Quy sea. Colorful SUPs have been invested by young people working in tourism to provide SUP rowing services on the shallows, attracting people and for the first time, there was even a SUP rowing festival held last May 2024.
After the incident of 6 SUP paddlers having an accident on October 26, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Thuan province requested the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to strictly control marine sports activities, ensuring absolute safety before allowing activities; strictly handle violations according to authority.
Although it is a new popular sport, playing SUP also requires skills and safety is a top priority. Players need to observe the weather and ocean waves to decide whether to play or not.
According to Mr. Dang Quoc Khoi - a swimming coach in Binh Thuan, due to subjective psychology, some people underestimate big waves at sea or ignore storm warnings.
"When arriving at a beach, the first thing to do is to check if there are any flags or warning signs. If there are lifeguards on duty, you should check which areas are safest for swimming, bathing or playing water sports. You should also find out if the province or city you are going to is forecasted to have a storm," Mr. Khoi added.
In addition, accommodation facilities and marine sports services also need to warn and increase observation of marine sports and SUP players. Because tourists who do not understand the characteristics of water currents and terrain are at risk of many risks.
