For aqua Law Formation of task force in Lapu-Lapu sought

CEBU, Philippines - The formation of a task force that will help implement an ordinance which controls aqua sports in Lapu-Lapu City such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat riding has been suggested following the discovery of the breach by presumably uninformed tourists.

The Freeman had seen tourists defying the ordinance in a resort in barangay Maribago.

Capt. Simplicio “Boy” Gilig, who owns a diving shop in barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, told The Freeman some tourists have to be informed about the ordinance and suggested the formation of a task force to assist the city in informing tourists about the ordinance.

The city council came up with the ordinance following a series of accidents involving jet skis.

The ordinance stipulates that a certification should be issued by the city government recognizing the holder’s compliance with the standards required in the operation of the sports concerned.

It says any establishment engaged in these forms of entertainment should provide aqua sports services such as renting out aqua sports related equipment, conducting aqua sports courses and tours, repairing aqua sport related equipment, and selling aqua sports related equipment.

A jet ski, wave runner, parasail, banana boats, and similar rides shall take passengers and riders only from a floating station/platform located some 150 meters offshore away from the shore bathers and outside from any specially designated area such as marine sanctuary.

Transporting passengers from the shore to the floating platform must not create waves in its wake as to disturb and imperil bathers, snorkelers, and divers. (FREEMAN)