By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Western Visayas has been placed on alert as thousands of Catholics are expected to flock to beach resorts in celebration of St. John the Baptist’s feast day on Saturday, June 24.

Commander Jansen Benjamin, Coast Guard District in Western Visayas (CGDWV) spokesperson, said as of this month, they have already recorded 23 drowning incidents across the region.

Benjamin said the CGDWV wanted to intensify its education campaign against drowning at beach resorts and swimming pools as they should have lifeguards in compliance with PCG’s memorandum circular 03-14, which lays down guidelines for safety and security requirements at coastal beach resorts and vessels with pool facilities.

Several local government units in Negros Occidental have existing ordinances requiring beach resort owners to have their own lifeguards for them to operate.

Benjamin also reminded parents not to leave their children unattended at the pool.

Those who are under the influence of liquor should also refrain from swimming, he added./DGB, WDJ