Boracay needs more certified lifeguards

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

More trained lifeguards will be deployed to save lives and to lessen the number of drowning incidents in Boracay Island, according to Sangguniang Bayan member Jupiter Aelred Gallenero.

                          PHOTO BOY RYAN ZABAL

Gallenero has filed a municipal ordinance directing the establishments in the Boracay beach front to hire their own on-site life guards to augment the existing lifeguards of local authorities and volunteer groups.

“More lives can be saved in Boracay’s popular beaches if we have additional life guards to prevent and respond to accidents,” he said.

Boracay, which boasts more than four-kilometers of coastline, is also a popular place for water sports activities.   

Gallenero said establishments along the beach front will be clustered for every 20 meters and are required to employ one certified lifeguard on-duty.

Safety flags and signs along Stations 1 to 3 and other beaches will be installed also to guide the swimmers whether the beach is safe to swim or not.

The proposed measure also regulates swimming pool facilities and prescribes the requirements for the safety and security of coastal and beach resorts in Malay, Aklan.

Gallenero said the measure mandates resorts and hotels with swimming pools to provide life guards to prevent pool-related emergencies and incidents.

A lifeguard trained in resuscitation techniques, pool rescue, water safety and first aid courses by the Philippine National Red Cross or the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accredited training courses will be required for every 200 square meter pool.

The lifeguard will also undergo water test and practical exams for issuance of PCG lifeguard certificate and refresher training courses every two years to revalidate lifeguard skills and renewal of lifeguard certificate.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.