TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Cagayan provincial board has approved on third and final reading proposed ordinance requiring owners, operators, or pool owners of resorts to provide lifeguards, lifesaving tools, equipment, and safety signages.
The ordinance proposed by First District Board Member Maria Olivia Pascual also covers other facilities for bathing and recreation; and provides penalties for violations.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the “Resort Safety and Lifesaving” ordinance in a mobile session in Iguig, Cagayan on Monday, December 18.
Before renewing business permits, resorts and other public bathing establishments are now required to have at least one lifeguard and a lifeguard assistant who are trained by Philippine Red Cross or certified by Philippine Coast Guard.
Further, such businesses must also have rescue equipment, crafts, paddles, skis, poles, lifebuoys, and spinal boards; and lifesaving station equipped with working communicating tools.
Also required are first-aid equipment for responders such as saline solutions, bandages, antiseptics, antihistamines, oxygen kits, splints, rescue blankets, and first aid kits.
The ordinance also requires visibly installed signages in assessed risky water areas.
Subject to court’s discretion, penalties under the ordinance are: for first offense, fine of P1,000 or 15-day suspension of business permit or both; for second offense, fine of P3,000 or one month suspension of business permit or both; and on third offense, fine of P5,000 and the revocation of offender’s business permit.
The said ordinance is also co-sponsored by Third District Board Members Rosauro Resuello, Perla Tumaliuan, and Rodrigo De Asis. Northernforum.net
