DOH, PCG conducts water search-and-rescue training

• Source: http://palawan-news.com/doh-pcg-conducts-water-search-rescue-training/
• Tuesday, April 25, 2017

By Aira Genesa Magdayao

In collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard District Palawan (PCG), the Department of Health (DOH) MIMAROPA is conducting a five-day Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training for tourist guides and boatmen in Puerto Princesa City this April 24-28.

In an interview with Glen Ramos, Media Relation Officer of DOH-MIMAROPA, the activity includes 44 participants (3 females and 41 males) mostly from Sabang, Nagtabon, and Bacungan, which were identified as critical areas with several cases of drowning incidents.

“Karamihan ng nand’yan from Barangay Bacungan, Nagtabon at Sabang, ‘yung mga areas na kritikal ‘yung maraming nalulunod tapos sabi ng DOT ‘di pa kasi accredited yung mga places doon kaya walang lifeguard. Karamihan ng mga pumupunta doon dahil wala pa atang bayad yung entry, free pa, kaya yung mga tourist guides dinadala doon ‘yung mga nakukuhang turista. ‘Yung iba para makatipid din diretso sila doon. Ang problema, wala tayong lifeguard doon, walang tumitingin ng safety,” Ramos said.

He also explained that the WASAR training is an important prerequisite to getting training and certification as a life guard. The training evaluates one’s capabilities and skills in water rescue, which are particularly needed in Palawan and its numerous beach destinations.

“Ang lifeguards training is two weeks. ‘Yung WASAR ‘yun ‘yung course before the lifeguard. Kung wala kang WASAR ‘di ka pwede mag-lifeguard, so ang pwede lang magbigay nito is PCG wala nang iba,” Ramos added.

In addition, the training is also seen as a necessary boost to business owners in tourist spots. Tourism-related establishments are particularly encouraged to have knowledge on WASAR, including 1-mile swimming, CPR, jogging and other survival techniques.