PCG to check beach resorts, vessels for safety compliance

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard will inspect beach resorts and vessels with pool facilities starting May 17 to check its safety compliance.

PCG Central Visayas chief of staff, Commander Weniel Azcuna, said this is to complement the existing regulations implemented by the Local Government Units.

Azcuna said the regular inspection is based on the Memorandum Circular 03-14 otherwise known as Guidelines for Safety and Security Requirements of Coastal Beaches and Beach Resorts and Vessels with Pool Facilities Including Qualification and Requirements of Lifeguards for the Promotion of Safety of Life at Sea.

Under the memorandum, PCG will inspect to ensure that beach resorts are following the mandated safety features. The results of the inspection will be forwarded to the LGU with appropriate recommendations.

“Basically what the circular means this will be the requirement of the beach resorts privately owned regarding safety requirement nila. There are certain guidelines doon kung ano yung mga dapat nandun sa swimming pool: lifeguards, certification ng lifeguards. So yun yung i-che-check natin upon the effectivity on May 17,” Azcuna explained.

The coast guard official added that this is an “add-on” to the existing regulations set by the LGU through ordinances and believed that the memorandum circular duly approved by the Department of Transportation and Communication “can jive” and not be in conflict with these local policies.

The directive specifies that coast guard will inspect the presence or absence of duly licensed lifeguards, standby medics including a physician, safety and rescue equipment such as life vests and buoys, emergency communication device such as alarm and radio communication device. Every twenty meters of beach coastline requires one lifeguard.

Apart from being physically fit, a lifeguard must finish prescribed trainings by Philippine Red Cross or any PCG accredited training course such as First Aid Course, Basic Life Support, and Water Safety Course. Furthermore, the licensed lifeguard must also take refresher training courses every two years to update the required skills.

Violators shall be penalized with P5,000 fine plus warning on the first offense, fine of P20,000 and one month suspension for the second offense, and fine of P50,000 and six months suspension for the third offense.

Azcuna appealed to tourists who plan to go on island hopping to make sure they will be boarding legitimate and registered vessels to avoid discomfort. (FREEMAN)