Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) together with the Philippine Coast Guard Palawan District (PCG) concluded the third batch of Water Search and Rescue Training for tourist guides, boatmen and divers in Coron, Palawan on September 3, 2016 with 29 successful trainees completed the course out of 31 participants.
There is now a total of 162 DOH WASAR trained water attendants in Palawan and 28 certified lifeguards.
Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo reminded the trainees to continue undergoing healthy lifestyle practices by maintaining strong physique and refraining from smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks which can affect the perception and awareness while on duty.
“Always remember that you will not only save the lives of others but you will also have the chance to make your lives better since you are now a fully trained emergency and rescue personnel with skills in demand and with a high sustainable revenue.” he added
According to Janairo, the WASAR training activity will be the last for this year. “We will continue to conduct the training next year to be able to reach our 500 lifeguard target in order to preserve and safeguard the wellbeing not only of tourists but also of our own fellow countrymen.
The successful trainees were given rescue can or buoy will also be given by the regional office to trainees who successfully completed the training course.
WASAR Training is one of the priority component of the “Health in Tourism Program” of DOH-MIMAROPA launched on March 24, 2015 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Among the eight components includes vermin control and disinfection, cleanliness in ports and vessels, installation of health signage in strategic places, creating a network of medical clinics, training of lifeguards and emergency responders, provision of buoys, lifeguard towers or posts, water testing for bacteriological and minerals/solutes and proper sewerage disposals.
Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger. Participants are trained on the proper way of water entry, types of swimming, lifesaving techniques, group survival, water evolution and knot tying including basic life support training.
