DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is now on full alert status to closely watch beaches and rivers in the province to ensure the safety and security of local and foreign visitors during the observance of Holy Week.

Vincent Jun Chiu, operations head of Pangasinan PDRRMO, said through the operational plan dubbed as “Oplan Semana Santa” and “Oplan Summer Vacation” the PDRRMO will be in full force next week in anticipation of the influx of tourists.

Chiu said PDRRMC personnel as well as local DRRMOs in all the municipalities and cities in the province will keep a close watch on different beaches and tourist spots for the Holy Week, Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) celebration as well as the summer season.

“PDRRMO will issue guidelines in coordination with local government units to ensure the safety of all the tourists who are expected to gather in different beaches and tourists spots of Pangasinan,” he said during the Pantongtongan Tayo virtual presser of PIA Pangasinan on Tuesday.

Further, he said for the Lingayen Gulf beach, water search and rescue team as well as the personnel and ambulance of the Provincial Health Office will be on standby to implement beach protocols.

Likewise, Chiu reminded all beachgoers to stay out of the water if they already had an alcohol intake or shortly after eating.

Chiu said flags in colors green, yellow, red and violet were placed within the shoreline of Lingayen beach to signify if the water is safe, deep or the underwater current is strong.

To ensure the safety of all beachgoers, Chiu also shared the following eight beach safety reminders:

·        Know your physical limit.

·        Never swim alone.

·        Listen to lifeguards and follow beach protocols.

·        Do not fight with the current if caught in a rip current.

·        Use life jackets and other safety devices.

·        Do not dive into the water headfirst.

·        If in trouble, wave for help.

·        Check water conditions before entering into the water through the beach flags.

Chiu said PDRRMO targets zero-drowning incidents during the Holy Week as well as on summer vacation this year. (JCR/AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)