Parents were reminded by the Department of Health (DOH) to be cautious when their children are swimming in beaches or pools to avoid incidence of drowning. DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire made the statement after cases of drowning were reported during the observance of Holy Week. “Lagi po natin titingnan ang ating mga anak kapag tayo po ay naliligo at baka sila po ay mapunta doon sa malalalim na hindi po natin alam (We should always keep an eye on our children when they swim as they may tend to swim in the deep parts [of the water] without us knowing),” said Vergeire in a press briefing on Wednesday, April 12. The Health official also advised the public to choose aquatic establishments that have lifeguards. “Alamin po natin kung may lifeguard po na available kapag tayo ay pipiliin na pumunta o maligo sa mga karagatan o sa swimming pool (Ask if there is a lifeguard available when choosing to go to beaches or in swimming pools),” she added. To note, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently reported that 78 cases of drowning were recorded across the country from April 2 to April 10.

Jellyfish sting

The DOH also reminded the public against jellyfish sting. Cases of jellyfish sting are also common during this dry season, said Vergeire. Vergeire advised the public not to douse the sting with vinegar. Also, peeing on a jellyfish sting is not advised. “Ang unang-unang kailangan gawin po ay hugasan po natin ng sabon at tubig. Huwag na po natin gamitin yung suka at ihi na sinasabi natin (The first thing we need to do is wash it with soap and water. Let's not use vinegar or urine),” she said. “Ang problema po kasi diyan,  pwedeng magkaiba-iba ang reaksyon ng bawat tao dito sa mga stings na ito (The problem with that is, each person's reaction to these stings can be different),” she added. The public should seek medical attention immediately, especially if they are experiencing severe symptoms, said Vergeire. “Kapag nakita natin na parang hindi humuhupa yung reaksyon sa ating balat at medyo kumakalat at nagkakaroon na tayo ng ibang sintomas, agad-agad na po tayong magpatingin sa ating mga doktor (If you see that the reaction on your skin further spreads and you are experiencing other symptoms, immediately consult a doctor),” she added.