FOLLOWING the death of 37 people, including 12 minors, during the Holy Week due to drowning, Senator Win Gatchalian reiterated his push for the mandatory designation of lifeguards in public swimming pools and bathing facilities.
Gatchalian’s Senate Bill No. Lifeguard Act of 2022 (Senate Bill No. 1142) requires pool operators to employ at least one certified lifeguard for each public swimming pool operated for commercial purposes or free of charge. These include pools operated in hotels, inns, motels, condominium buildings, clubhouses, and any other public setting or residential setting other than a single-family home.
The proposed measure requires an additional lifeguard for every excess area of 250 square meters. These lifeguards must be duly certified by nationally recognized organizations accredited by the Department of Health (DOH).
While the temperature continues to rise in many parts of the country, Gatchalian continues to urge vigilance as the deaths due to drowning tend to be highest during the summer months. In 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported 3,576 deaths in the Philippines due to drowning, with the highest number of cases recorded during March (317), April (391), and May (345). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning is one of the top five leading causes of death among children aged one to 14.
“Nakakalungkot at nakakabahala na sa panahong masaya dapat tayo kasama ng ating mga pamilya sa bakasyon, siya namang dating ng trahedya dahil sa pagkalunod. Maaari nating maiwasan ang ganitong mga insidente kung magpapatupad lamang tayo ng mga hakbang para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan, kabilang ang paglalagay ng mga kwalipikadong lifeguard sa mga pampublikong swimming pool,” said Gatchalian.
The bill provides that pool operators should provide local government units (LGUs) with certifications and supporting documents to prove their engagement with the required number of lifeguards. LGUs, on the other hand, are mandated to ensure the compliance of all public swimming pools and approve the permits of pool operators upon verification of certification and other supporting documents. LGUs, through Local Health Officers, or other personnel deemed fit for the assignment shall conduct periodic local inspections.
