Philippine Coast Guard trains more lifeguards for beachgoers

MANILA, Philippines — With many people expected to spend the Holy Week at beaches and resorts, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said they have been training lifeguards who would serve as first responders in the event of a drowning incident.

PCG spokesman Captain Armand Balilo said they have long started the training of lifeguards in preparation for the Holy Week and the start of summer vacation.

“Our coast guard districts were tasked to conduct training for the lifeguards because they are essential to avoid incidents of drowning,” Balilo said, adding that “lifeguards are important because they are the first responders at the beaches.”

Balilo said, “We have instructed our units located near the beaches to perform not only security but to conduct public information on the ‘dos and don’ts’ in the beach resorts. Our field offices should make sure that even recreational safety is enforced.”

Among the reminders sent out by the Coast Guard to beachgoers is not to swim when they are intoxicated and that they should not swim alone.

The PCG Central Visayas District that has jurisdiction over Cebu and Bohol, known for having some of the best resorts and beaches in the country, has long issued a memorandum for the training of lifeguards, said its commander Commodore Lyndon Latorre.

“Only the Coast Guard is authorized to certify lifeguards (who) undergo a free one-week training. They are taught how to conduct a one-mile swim and basic lifesaving methods,” said Latorre.

There are a total of 31 beaches and 435 resorts in the Central Visayas District visited by an estimated 1.8 million people during the summer season alone. 

“We are now concentrating on Bantayan, Cebu because there are a lot of resorts there and they are willing to accommodate the trainings,” Latorre added.

He said the target is for all water recreational establishments in the Central Visayas District to have their own lifeguards within the year.