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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian pushes for lifeguards in public pools, sounds alarm over rise in drowning incidents

Gatchalian pushes for lifeguards in public pools, sounds alarm over rise in drowning incidents

Published Apr 7, 2024 04:08 am

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday, April 7 renewed his push for the mandatory designation of lifeguards in public swimming pools and bathing facilities.

 

Gatchalian noted that during the recent Holy Week alone, there were 37 people, including 12 minors, who died of drowning.

 

In pushing for Senate Bill No. 1142 or the proposed Lifeguard Act of 2022, the senator said it is imperative to require pool operators to employ at least one certified lifeguard for each public swimming pool operated for commercial purposes or free of charge, especially during summer.

 

The bill seeks to include pools operated in hotels, inns, motels, condominium buildings, clubhouses, and any other public setting or residential setting other than a single-family home.

 

The measure also requires an additional lifeguard for every excess area of 250 square meters. These lifeguards must be duly certified by nationally recognized organizations accredited by the Department of Health (DOH).

 

The bill also mandates pool operators to provide local government units (LGUs) with certifications and supporting documents to prove their engagement with the required number of lifeguards. 

 

On the other hand, LGUs would be mandated to ensure the compliance of all public swimming pools and approve the permits of pool operators upon verification of certification and other supporting documents. 

 

“Nakakalungkot at nakakabahala na sa panahong masaya dapat tayo kasama ng ating mga pamilya sa bakasyon, siya namang dating ng trahedya dahil sa pagkalunod (It’s sad and alarming that during the times we should be happy celebrating together with our families on vacation, a tragedy will strike just because of drowning),” Gatchalian said.

 

“Maaari nating maiwasan ang ganitong mga insidente kung magpapatupad lamang tayo ng mga hakbang para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan, kabilang ang paglalagay ng mga kwalipikadong lifeguard sa mga pampublikong swimming pool (These kind of incident could have been prevented if mechanisms are in place to protect the safety of our people, including designating qualified lifeguards in public swimming pools),” he stressed.

 

In 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported 3,576 deaths in the Philippines due to drowning, with the highest number of cases recorded during March (317), April (391), and May (345). 

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) also said drowning is one of the top five leading causes of death among children aged one to 14.

 

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LIFEGUARD Sherwin Gatchalian drowning Swimming pool
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