Press Release/30 October 2018
DOH-CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard has successfully completed the first batch of lifeguards for CALABARZON after 8-days of rigorous training which started on October 22 to October 28, 2018 at the La Suena Brisa Resort in Lemery, Batangas.
Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated during the graduation ceremony that the trained lifeguards will serve as the first line of defense during water emergencies in various resorts of CALABARZON. “You are the most important member of your establishments, because you know how to save lives and you are trained to protect the safety and security of guests and tourists who will be going for a bathe in the pool, on the beach or island hopping in distinct places where they will be spending time swimming or snorkeling.”
“We can now be assured that water incidents like drowning and even serious fatality can be prevented or immediately addressed given your knowledge in first aid treatment and basic life support service,” he emphasized.
Director Janairo also reminded the participants to undergo healthy lifestyle practices and maintain a healthy and strong physique. “It is important to lessen and refrain from vices such as smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks which can affect your perception and awareness while on duty.”
“Do not disregard the skills and knowledge you have learned because you will not only be saving other lives but you will also providing yourself with the opportunity to make your lives better because what you have acquired here can provide you an opportunity for high sustainable revenue in the future,” Janairo stressed.
There were 38 trainees who graduated successfully from the Lifeguard Qualification Training conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard- National Capital Region District headed by CDR Paolo Z. Abejuela of PCG Subic District as Course Director.
Cavite province has 4 participants who joined the training, 7 partakers from Laguna, 8 from Batangas, 11 from Rizal and 8 from Quezon. Ages range from 22 to 46 years old. A total of 32 resorts participated including members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.
The Lifeguard Qualification Training starts at 5am with warm–up exercises and jogging to keep the body fit. The 8-day qualifying course includes first aid treatment, basic life support, water safety, swimming strokes, rescue techniques (non-swimming & swimming rescue), lifesaving and survival techniques, mass casualty incident operation and endurance swim.
According to Janairo, the training is part of the ‘Health in Tourism Program’ of the region to ensure the health and safety of all people in Tourism Related Establishments (TREs) in CALABARZON.
The objective of the program is to create and maintain a database of all TREs in the region; collaborate with other government agencies including the PCG, Department of Tourism, NGOs and local government units in developing health and safety standards for an ideal tourism establishment; assess the establishments according to the health and safety standards; provide technical assistance to the TREs; and advocate or lobby to local chief executives for the implementation of Republic Act 9993 known as (The Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009) which states that operators and owners of resorts who fail to hire lifeguards will be penalized with fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 or be face jail terms of 45 days, or both fine and imprisonment.
“We will continue to conduct Lifeguard Qualification Training nest year to be able to have more certified lifeguards not only in CALABARZON but the whole country as well. Saving lives is not only the responsibility of medical responders but also of lifeguards,” Director Janairo added.
Lifeguard rescue equipment including recue can, whistle , 2 sets of uniform were given by the regional office to the trainees who successfully completed the training course.
Participants for the Lifeguard Qualification Training demonstrates their skills in first aid treatment and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation to a coast guard who poses as a victim from a water accident as other members of the DOH-CALABARZON Health Emergency Management Service and PCG staff observes the drill.
Course Director CDR Paolo Z. Abejuela of PCG Subic provides the final instructions to trainees before their final examination during the last day of the DOH-PCG Lifeguard Qualification Training held in Lemery, Batangas from October 22-28, 2018.
DOH-CALABARZON Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo reminds trainees to live a healthy lifestyle and away from vices such as smoking and drinking liquors in order to be perceptive and be alert while in duty during the graduation program of the DOH-PCG Lifeguard Qualification Training held in Lemery, Batangas from October 22-28, 2018. There were 38 successful graduates.
Ms Joanne G. Lorejo, the only female trainee from among the 38 successful graduates of the DOH-PCG Lifeguard Qualification Training held in Lemery, Batangas from October 22-28, 2018 receives the rescue can from DOH-CALABARZON Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo with CDR Paolo Z. Abejuela of PCG Subic beside her ready to hand over the whistle as part of a lifeguard's equipment for life saving.
The 38 successful trainees of the first batch DOH-PCG Lifeguard Qualification Training for CALABARZON poses with Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo (center), CDR Paolo Z. Abejuela of PCG Subic (right), Shiela Blancaver, Health in Tourism Regional Coordinator (left) with DOH staff and PCG officers after the graduation program held in Lemery, Batangas on October 28, 2018
