10 commandments for beachgoers

MANILA, Philippines – With school out and summer here, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has issued its latest directive, sounding like the “Ten Commandments” for beachgoers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 372,000 people drown globally every year.

Health statistics in the Philippines, meanwhile, show that about 8 Filipinos die every day due to drowning, and about 10 Filipinos every day are victims of near drowning.

Of the 3,000 annual deaths in the Philippines due to drowning, 36% are children 14 years old and below. The UN health agency said drowning is one of the 10 leading causes of death for children and young people in every region of the world. 

The PCG’s 10-point guidelines can ensure the safety of people flocking to beaches and resorts with pool facilities. These include the following:

1. Check weather updates before leaving, watch out for bad weather reports.
2. Adults must always guard their children and check on the presence of certified lifeguards while they are swimming in pools and beaches.
3. Always make sure that there are proper floating devices.
4. Resort owners are reminded to assign duly licensed lifeguards in their establishments to ensure their safety compliance.
5. Follow the regulations and reminders of the lifeguards.
6. Check whether beach resorts have standby medics, safety and rescue equipment such as life vests and buoys, and emergency communication devices. 
7. Walk and refrain from running along the poolside.
8. Avoid swimming alone.
9. Don’t swim intoxicated.
10. Inform beach resort owners about overnight swimming.

The Coast Guard said it will also check beach resorts with pool facilities nationwide to see if they have capable lifeguards or if they have signs put up for the benefit of beachgoers.

The inspection is based on 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. – with reports from Jee Geronimo/Rappler.com 

Cabin on the beach image from Shutterstock