SAN FERNANDO CITY, Aug. 2 (PIA) – The Department of Tourism Regional Office 1 staged a free Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Training among surf instructors in La Union.
According to Regional Director Francisco Joseph Ortega, this is to equip the participants with the proper knowledge on water safety and the live-saving skills which are useful in the nature of their job in the most famous surfing spot in the Ilocos.
“Naglunsad po tayo ng Water Safety and Rescue Training para sa mga miyembro ng La Union Surf Club dahil sila po ay ang sentro ng turismo sa Region 1 bilang surfing capital of the North,” Ortega said.
He added, “Dahil dyan ay kinakailangan po na bilang pinupuntahan ng mga turista para sa surfing lessons, ang instructor dapat ay marunong sa basic water safety and rescue. Madaming beses na na may mga nalulunod dahil sa malakas na daloy ng tubig.”
IN PHOTO | Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard North Luzon conducts a briefing among some 28 members of the La Union Surf Club on the final simulation exercise they will have to take to complete the Water Search and Rescue Training. Photo courtesy to Caren Cabanayan
Some 28 members of the La Union Surf Club participated in this five-day WASAR training which was held from July 26 to July 30.
DOT tapped the Philippine Coast Guard North Luzon for the conduct of the activity and facilitate the WASAR training.
Personnel of the PCG shared their expertise among the trainees on basic life support, rubber boat and outboard motor operations, life jacket familiarization, and the various water safety, survival and rescue techniques.
After the series of lectures, the trainees also had different demonstration and simulation exercises.
As a highlight, the attendees were subjected to undergo the one-mile qualification swim during the last day of the training which tested their stamina and proved their teamwork.
A culmination activity was held on Friday where participants received their certificate of completion.
Trainees thanked the DOT and PCG for giving them such learning experience which they can use to improve their quality of service and level up their competencies as surf instructors.
“Malaking tulong ito para sa grupo namin at tamang-tama ito na kinuha namin para mai-apply sa trabaho naming bilang surf instructors,” said Lemon Dines, the president of the club. (JCR/VHS/CGC, PIA La Union)
