The Department of Tourism in Western Visayas required beaches and inland resorts to hire lifeguards and ensure stringent safety measures are in place for both local and foreign visitors.
According to the agency’s data, 1,900 tourism enterprises, including beach resorts and establishments with swimming pools, have received accreditation.
“Accredited resorts are required to have their lifeguards; it is essential for maintaining the standard of our accreditation,” DOT Assistant Regional Director for Western Visayas Phoebe Zelie Areño said.
LGUs hold significant responsibility in this effort, she said, as they have the authority to mandate the hiring of lifeguards through their issuance of business licenses to local enterprises.
Areño warned tourism establishments that failure to comply with DOT regulations could result in the loss of their accreditation.
“If we receive complaints regarding the absence of lifeguards, we immediately call their attention for compliance,” she said.
