Overview
- Jason Lambert, 37, was swept out by strong surf at Freedom Beach on 29 November and later died at Patong Hospital, with the coroner recording drowning as the cause.
- His sister, Lauren Smy, says the on‑duty lifeguard told bystanders he could not swim and was filming as members of the public performed CPR.
- Thai police previously said tourists pulled Lambert from the water around 11:30am and attempted CPR before emergency services arrived.
- The family also reports no blood samples were taken, officials photographed the body in front of relatives, and an autopsy and repatriation were delayed.
- The Independent has sought comment from the ministry overseeing lifeguards, and the family has raised concerns about beach warnings, including an unverified claim of another death days later.