The Department of Health – Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) has successfully conducted the second batch of lifeguard training with 32 successful graduates to provide safety and security of tourists and guests of resorts and hotels who will be engaging in water activities in the pool, on the beach or island hopping in various tourism places in the region.
“Preventing water incidents and ensuring safety of all individuals going to the beaches this summer is very important and every establishment with pools and beaches must have at least one lifeguard to immediately address any emergency situation and provide first aid treatment including basic life support service,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said during the graduation ceremony.
He also reminded the trainees to sustain healthy lifestyle practices learned during their training and maintain a healthy and strong physique.
“Refrain from excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks which can affect your perception and awareness while on duty. Presence of mind is very important because you are at the forefront of preventing accidents and saving lives”.
Janairo also assured the trainees that the regional office and the Philippine Coast Guard will be coordinating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the inclusion of the Lifeguard Qualification Training Course in their curriculum so that every successful graduate will be duly certified and acknowledged.
There is now a total of 70 trained lifeguards in CALABARZON to ensure safety and security.
“We will continue to provide more lifeguard training until all accredited establishment in the region can have their own duly licensed lifeguard to man their pools, beaches and resorts. We will not only promote health but safety as well.”
There were 32 out of 38 trainees who graduated successfully from the Lifeguard Qualification Training conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard- National Capital Region District from various resorts and hotels in the region namely The Bayleaf Cavite, Royale Tagaytay, Taal Vista Hotel, Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort and the Municipal Government of Noveleta in the province of Cavite; Yayong and Dita’s Resort Corp., Pagsanjan LGU, Makiling Highlands Resort, Monte Vista, Splash Mountain Resort, City of Springs Resort – Hotel, Maya’s Nest in the province of Laguna; JRC Breeze Beach Resort, Cimpulo Resort, Natipuan Beach Resort, Laycano Resort, Forever Tan Ag Beachside Resort, Laiya White Cove, Lago de Oro Beach Club in the province of Batangas; Club Manila East Taytay, Ciudad Christhia Resort San Mateo, Cristina Villas Mountain Resort and Hotel Antipolo, Thunderbird Resort Binagonan, Alamaris Resort Morong in the province of Rizal; Brgy Catablingan, MRJ Resort, Burdeos, Javierama Beasch Resort, MDRRMO Catanauan in the province of Quezon.
The Lifeguard Qualification Training Course is part of the ‘Health in Tourism Program’ was initiated by Director Janairo to ensure the health and safety of all people in Tourism Related Establishments (TREs) in CALABARZON.
The objective of the program is to create and maintain a database of all TREs in the region.
It also intends to collaborate with other government agencies including the PCG, Department of Tourism, NGOs and local government units in developing health and safety standards for an ideal tourism establishment; assess the establishments according to the health and safety standards; provide technical assistance to the TREs; and advocate or lobby to local chief executives for the implementation of Republic Act 9993 known as (The Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009) which states that operators and owners of resorts who fail to hire lifeguards will be penalized with fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 or face jail terms of 45 days, or both fine and imprisonment. “‹