LEMERY, Batangas — In the run-up to ensure life-saving operations for holiday-goers during the observance of “Undas,” the first batch of 38 lifeguards completed their eight-day rigorous training course under the auspices of the Department of Health (DOH) Calabarzon and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at the La Suena Brisa Resort here.
The DOH training through its Health Emergency Management Service, was supervised by the PCG-Subic District head Commander Paolo Z. Abejuela as Course Director for the first batch of 38 trainees from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon who undertook training from Oct. 22 until Oct. 28 in preparation for the “Undas 2018” holiday break.
Cavite province sent four; Laguna, seven; Batangas, eight; Rizal, 11; and Quezon, eight lifeguard-trainees coming from participating 32 resorts in the region as well as some Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (PDRRMOs) personnel.
DOH Calabarzon Regional Director Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo who graced Sunday’s graduation ceremony said the trained lifeguards will serve as first line of defense during water emergencies in various Calabarzon resorts.
“Saving lives is not only the responsibility of medical responders but also of lifeguards,” Janairo stressed, adding “you are the most important member of your establishments, because you know how to save lives and you are trained to protect the safety and security of guests and tourists.”
The lifeguard training is part of the region’s “Health in Tourism Program” to ensure the health and safety of all people in Tourism Related Establishments (TREs) in Calabarzon where tourists, visitors and clients spend time to dip in the pool, do beach excursions or island hopping in distinct dive spots for swimming or snorkeling especially during the long holiday break this All Saints’ and Soul’s Day.
The DOH program aims to create and maintain a database of all TREs in the region; collaborate with other government agencies including the PCG, Department of Tourism, non-government organizations and local government units in developing health and safety standards for an ideal tourism establishment.
With the newly trained lifeguards, Janairo stressed “we can now be assured that water incidents like drowning and even serious fatality can be prevented or immediately addressed given your knowledge in first aid treatment and basic life support service.”
The rigorous training course includes waking up at 5 a.m. for warm–up exercises and jogging to keep the body fit and eight-day qualifying course covering first aid treatment, basic life support, water safety, swimming strokes, rescue techniques on non-swimming and swimming rescue, lifesaving and survival techniques, mass casualty incident operation and endurance swim. (Saul Pa-a/PNA)
