By Hilda Austria/Philippine News Agency
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has readied its personnel and rescue equipment, with the activation of its “Oplan Summer Vacation” or “SumVac” from April 1 until June 2, to prevent any untoward incidents during the summer break.
PDRRMO spokesperson Avenix Arenas, during the “Tongtongan ed PIA” forum of the Philippine Information Agency here on Monday, said the Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Team is in full force in monitoring the Lingayen beach area, with the help of the province’s Bantay Kalikasan.
“Each of the 14 coastal areas has its own trained WASAR team, which monitors their jurisdiction,” she said.
A medical team from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) will also be deployed to the Lingayen beach area, especially during the Holy Week and the Pista’y Dayat on May 1, Arenas said.
“We placed signage and advisories in conspicuous areas for the visitors to see before they swim on the ocean,” she said.
Arenas warned beachgoers against drinking liquor before swimming in the sea or river as most of the victims of drowning last year were said to be drunk.
PDRRMO recorded three drowning incidents in the sea and three in the river during summer vacation last year.
Arenas urged the local government units of the coastal areas and those with river systems to oversee the activities in their vicinities to ensure the safety and security of everybody.
She also advised the public to maintain cleanliness in the tourist spots they will be visiting.
“In Lingayen, we implement zero plastic waste and trash cans are provided, so the people should throw their garbage properly on the bin,” she said.
Also, she noted that tents or vehicles are not allowed on the shoreline so that lifeguards will be able to clearly see the whole swimming area and for faster mobility in case of emergencies.
Arenas further said that among the prevalent incidents last year was injury due to jellyfish sting.
“You can do first aid such as putting vinegar on the affected part or our PHO personnel have the medicine for it. But, if the victim experience difficulty in breathing then bring the person immediately to the nearest hospital,” she said.
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