Disaster council ensures safe swimming in Pangasinan beaches

By Venus H. Sarmiento

Sunday 26th of February 2012

\LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- The provincial government has tasked the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to institute measures to prevent the incidence of drowning and crime-related cases and ensure public safety and security in beaches.

Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan led a coordinating conference of the PDRRMC committee recently and tackled such precautionary measures.

“We have to be alert so we are coming up with practical measures to save lives,” he said as he asked the full participation of the community, especially those in the coastal areas.

The committee is composed of the PDRRMC, Department of Health, Philippine Maritime, Philippine Coastguard, Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, Provincial Health Office, Water Search and Rescue Team, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Tourism Operations Division, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Provincial Information Office, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and owners of beach sheds and resorts.

The agenda included the effect of high tide and low tide in the beach and its relationship with the incidence of drowning, installation of nets with buoyants to delineate the swimming area, installation of signages and colored flaglets on top of beach towers, establishment of tourist assistance centers, emergency facilities and equipment such as megaphones, floaters, life jackets, vests and whistles and the assigning of beach watchers or lifeguards in strategic areas.

A core group was later formed to oversee the implementation of the program.

With the assurance of safety and security by Gov. Amado Espino Jr., tourists and local folks are expected to be lured back to the famous beaches in Pangasinan as the hot summer months approach. (JCR/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan with reports from PIO)