Coast Guard wants stricter enforcement of water sports rules

CEBU, Philippines - The newly-installed commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary in Central Visayas has suggested the formation of a task force that will help implement Lapu-Lapu City’s ordinance which regulate the operation of jet skis, parasailing, banana boat rides, and other aqua sports activities.

Capt. Simplicio “Boy” Gilig, who owns a diving shop in barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, said he has suggested the formation of a task force to officials of the Coast Guard.

“Nalipay ko nga misanong ang atong kadagkuan sa Philippine Coast Guard sa atong gisugyot ngadto nila nga magtinabangay kita batok niadtong mga malapason sa ordinansa nga napalabang sa dakbayan,” Gilig said.

The city council of Lapu-Lapu approved the ordinance following a series of accidents involving jet skis.

The ordinance stipulates that a certification should be issued by the city government recognizing the holder’s compliance with the standards required in the operation of the sports concerned.

It further said that any establishment engaged in these forms of entertainment should provide aqua sports services such as renting out aqua sports related equipment, conducting aqua sports courses and tours, repairing aqua sport related equipment, and selling aqua sports related equipment.

A jet ski, wave runner, parasail, banana boats, and similar rides shall take passengers and riders only from a floating station/flatform located some 150 meters offshore away from the shore bathers and outside from any specially designated area such as marine sanctuary.

Transporting passengers from shore point to the floating platform must not create wave in its wake as to disturb and imperil bathers, snorkelers, and divers.

Violators will be fined. - THE FREEMAN