To ensure the safety of the tourists in the province, the Department of Health (DOH)–MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) together with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Tourism (DOT), has joined together for a mutual objective of providing orientation, training and the most important—certification for lifeguards working in various resorts in Palawan that will begin from September 14 to 18.
“We have the best and the most prestigious leisure beaches in the country, especially in MIMAROPA, but we are still short of skilled and accredited lifeguards to man these coastlines,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said, noting that the continued life-threatening incidents, like drowning and the most recent death in Coron, Palawan, has again raised the question of safety and readiness in these areas.
“These accidents in beaches and even in pools, not only in our region, can be avoided if we have the necessary staff, trained and accredited in first aid and basic lifesaving skills. The lifeguard is the basic and most important body, and all beach resorts are required to provide the services of one,” he added.
Republic Act 9993, known as The Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, states that operators and owners of resorts who fail to hire lifeguards will be penalized with fines, ranging from P1,000 to P5,000, or face jail terms of 45 days, or both fine and imprisonment.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a lifeguard must be physically fit and medically healthy, a strong swimmer and must be able to use the safety equipment comfortably and confidently; must successfully completed the following Philippine Red Cross Training or any PCG accredited equivalent training courses like, First Aid Course; Basic-Life Support-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Course; water safety course; and water search and rescue course.
Upon completion of the required training courses, the PCG will require lifeguards to undergo various water tests and practical exam prior certification and issuance of PCG Lifeguard Certificate to qualified lifeguards. Every two years, lifeguards shall undertake refresher-training course to revalidate lifeguarding skills and renewal of PCG Lifeguard Certificate.
Janairo also reminded participants to undergo healthy lifestyle practices by maintaining strong physique and refraining from smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks, which can affect the perception and awareness while on duty.
“Do not disregard this training because you will not only save lives, but you will also provide yourself with the opportunity to make your lives better because you’re a recipient of an essential training where you can be provided with high sustainable revenue in the future.”
The training course for Palawan lifeguards will be shouldered by DOH-MIMAROPA under the Health in Tourism Program launched on March 24. The PCG will handle the training courses, together with the DOT Palawan.
The regional office will also provide lifeguard rescue equipment, such as rescue and first aid kits to trainees who will successfully complete the training course.