BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard recently reported no drowning incidents involving residents from the Cordillera in the various beach resorts in Region I this year
“This 2024, masaya po tayong malaman na wala po tayong drowning incident ngayon po from the Cordillera Administrative Region” CG ENS Ivhanne Rillon of the North Luzon District reported.
Looking back at the statistics from 2022 to 2023, there was a 50% increase in drowning victims from the Cordillera Administrative Region. But with the reported no cases for this year, it just proves the effective actions done by the Philippine Coast Guard. CG ENS Rillon revealed that adopting preventive measures is the key to avoiding such drowning incidents.
In 2022, the PCG disclosed that there were eight drowning incidents involving residents from the region in the various beach resorts in the lowlands while in 2023, there were 12 similar incidents that claimed the lives of innocent adults and children who went to spend their deserved break in the beaches.
One significant factor contributing to drowning incidents is the consumption of alcohol. CG ENS Rillon urged the public, especially beachgoers, to avoid alcohol as it impairs judgment and balance and can lead to a false sense of confidence in assessing the sea conditions.
Designating a responsible person to watch over swimmers, both children and adults is also important as it is one preventive measure to avoid such incidents. “Wala naman hong ibang magmamalasakit sa mga family members natin kundi tayo rin ho na kasamahan nila dun sa mismong area na ating pinaglalanguyan” he said and added that there should be constant supervision, emphasizing that all ages are prone to drowning.
Learning basic swimming and water safety skills is also important to reduce the risk of drowning. “Bago ho tayo sumabak ho sa languyan, sa bakasyon, pwede ho tayong mag-practice muna kung paano ho lumangoy. Mga basic tips para ho maiwasan yung mga drowning incidents and, of course, pwede ho tayong pumasok sa mga formal swimming lessons” CG ENS Rillon advised.
Ensuring proper and secure use of life jackets and familiarizing yourself with the area’s condition, including currents, tides, and type of seafloor, are also the responsibilities of swimmers.
CG Ensi Jepty Ubaldo from San Juan tackled existing municipal ordinances, prohibiting night swimming from 6 PM to 6 AM. He emphasized the importance of following these regulations for the safety of beachgoers and even the rescuers.
CG ENS Rillon assured the public that constant patrolling is conducted to monitor swimmers and visitors. But he also stressed the need for self-discipline and calmness during emergencies. “Philippine Coast Guard alone, hindi ho kayang maprevent yan, drowning incident na yan. Kaya ho kami ho ay humihingi ng tulong sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na makicooperate po tayo sa ating authorities para ho maiwasan yung mga ganyang insidente.”
Meanwhile, there are also no drowning incidents in swimming pools and rivers reported involving residents from CAR.
The Philippine Coast Guard is actively involved in re-training trainers for Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training in collaboration with the local government units and resort associations.
As the summer vacation approaches, the Philippine Coast Guard remains vigilant in ensuring the safety of beachgoers and urges everyone to prioritize safety and adhere to the established guidelines. By Hazel Rose Infante
