A LIFEGUARD training is ongoing in Antique province. (Antique PDRRMO)
ILOILO CITY – An Australian volunteer is helping train lifeguards in Antique province where 77 fatal drowning incidents were recorded between 2019 and 2025.
David Field of Surf Life Saving Club has been tapped by the provincial government to conduct water safety, lifesaving, and lifeguarding to help strengthen local capabilities in curbing drowning incidents.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Broderick Train said the number of fatalities from drowning in five years is alarming.
Train said his office made the training request via Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) in line with the provincial ordinance for drowning prevention.
According to Train, Field was chosen among volunteer applicants due to his extensive experience and technical qualifications.
The campaign against drowning is one of the priorities of the administration of Gov. Paolo Javier this National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM).
“Mula sa gobyerno probinsyal hanggang sa mga komunidad sa mga barangay, napakahalaga ang mga inisyatibong tulad nito. Dahil kapag dumating ang sakuna o kalamidad, mas marami na ang nakakaalam, ang magtutulungan, at mas maraming buhay ang masasalba,” Javier said in a statement.
The three-month training will focus on building the capacity of provincial personnel. The training will be cascaded to various DRRM offices of towns, schools, and other agencies.
Many of the drowning incidents occurred in flood-prone areas during stormy weather.