Coast Guard to designate Boracay boating zones
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

BORACAY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has strengthened measures to ensure the safety of tourists and beachgoers in the island resort of Boracay.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Commander Armand Balilo said the measures will prevent incidents in the future involving sea sports activities.
PCG Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo earlier ordered the setting up of boating zones off the waters of Boracay as part of the safety regulations to protect local and foreign tourists and to curb accidents involving banana boats, jet ski rides, parasailing, kitesurfing and other family-friendly sports activities in the island of Boracay.

Most accidents happened in the island due to collision of highspeed jet skiing and motor boats that killed or injured local and foreign tourists.

PCG, in coordination with stakeholders and resort beach owners, is enforcing the rules and regulations for the promotion of safety of life and property in all maritime-related activities under the new mandate of Republic Act 9993, otherwise known as the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009.
The PCG will also carried out the proper zoning of safe swimming areas, clear identification of prohibited waterborne activities, provision for mandatory safety gears/equipment, scheduling of authorized waterborne and underwater activities and prescribing qualifications and stepped-up requirements for beach/resort/pool lifeguards in all beach destinations.