DOH completes WASAR trainings in Palawan

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=1&rid=919997
• Sunday, September 4, 2016

(PNA), BNB/LSJ/PJN

MANILA, Sept. 4 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA together with the Philippine Coast Guard Palawan District (PCG) completed the third batch of Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training for tourist guides, boatmen and divers in Coron, Palawan on Saturday.

A total of 29 successful trainees completed the course who will be among the certified lifeguards having the capability to provide protection to local and international tourists in the different resorts in Palawan in support of making it as "destination choice".

DOH MIMAROPA refers to the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

As a whole, a total of 162 DOH WASAR trained water attendants in Palawan and 29 certified lifeguards in the series of trainings conducted.

During the training period, Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo reminded the trainees to continue undergoing healthy lifestyle practices.

Janairo that doing healthy lifestyle practices can contribute a lot in maintaining strong physique and alertness.

He further said that smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks can affect the perception and awareness while on duty.

“Always remember that you will not only save the lives of others but you will also have the chance to make your lives better since you are now a fully trained emergency and rescue personnel with skills in demand and with a high sustainable revenue.” he added.

The Regional Director added that the WASAR training activity will be the last for this year.

“We will continue to conduct the training next year to be able to reach our 500 lifeguard target in order to preserve and safeguard the well-being not only of tourists but also of our own fellow countrymen.

WASAR training is one of the priority component of the “Health in Tourism Program” of DOH-MIMAROPA launched on March 24, 2015 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Among the eight components includes vermin control and disinfection, cleanliness in ports and vessels, installation of health signage in strategic places, creating a network of medical clinics, training of lifeguards and emergency responders, provision of buoys, lifeguard towers or posts, water testing for bacteriological and minerals/solutes and proper sewerage disposals.

WASAR training is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.

Participants are trained on the proper way of water entry, types of swimming, lifesaving techniques, group survival, water evolution and knot tying including basic life support training.