Baguio OKs ordinance requiring life vests for boat riders on Burnham Lake
BAGUIO CITY – The Sangguniang Panglungsod (city council) has approved on third and final reading an ordinance requiring boaters on Burnham Park Lake to wear life vests for their safety.
AN ordinance requiring boaters on Burnham Lake in Baguio City to wear life vests for their safety has been approved by the city council and set to be signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong. (Zaldy Comanda) Non-compliant boat owners will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P1,500 and their watercraft impounded until the penalty is paid for in the second offense, and P2,500 and cancellation of their licenses for the third offense. On the other hand, non-compliant water boat operators will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P1,500 for the second offense, and P2,500 and prohibited from operating watercraft for the third offense. Community service may also be provided in lieu of a fine as deemed fit and proper. According to Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr., main author of the ordinance, the wearing of life vests is necessary to prevent accidents and other unplanned events that may threaten the life of a passenger. "The proper wearing of life vests is intended to preserve the lives of passengers in the event of an accident. This is the simplest life-saving technique for recreational boating, paddling, or towed water sports,” said Cosalan. Under the ordinance, the owner or manager of boats is responsible for providing life vests for all passengers and must ensure that there is adequate number of life vests for each occupant. The operator must also ensure that life vests fit properly and are in good condition. The Public Order Safety Division under the office of the city mayor shall enforce the ordinance and shall be authorized to arrest violators. The ordinance has been sent to Mayor Benjamin Magalong for signature and the ordinance will be implemented as soon as possible.
AN ordinance requiring boaters on Burnham Lake in Baguio City to wear life vests for their safety has been approved by the city council and set to be signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong. (Zaldy Comanda) Non-compliant boat owners will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P1,500 and their watercraft impounded until the penalty is paid for in the second offense, and P2,500 and cancellation of their licenses for the third offense. On the other hand, non-compliant water boat operators will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P1,500 for the second offense, and P2,500 and prohibited from operating watercraft for the third offense. Community service may also be provided in lieu of a fine as deemed fit and proper. According to Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr., main author of the ordinance, the wearing of life vests is necessary to prevent accidents and other unplanned events that may threaten the life of a passenger. "The proper wearing of life vests is intended to preserve the lives of passengers in the event of an accident. This is the simplest life-saving technique for recreational boating, paddling, or towed water sports,” said Cosalan. Under the ordinance, the owner or manager of boats is responsible for providing life vests for all passengers and must ensure that there is adequate number of life vests for each occupant. The operator must also ensure that life vests fit properly and are in good condition. The Public Order Safety Division under the office of the city mayor shall enforce the ordinance and shall be authorized to arrest violators. The ordinance has been sent to Mayor Benjamin Magalong for signature and the ordinance will be implemented as soon as possible.