Senator Advocates for Lifeguard Legislation to Prevent Drowning Tragedies
In light of the dry season’s commencement and the uptick in family outings, Senator Win Gatchalian has renewed his advocacy for the enactment of the “Lifeguard Act,” a legislative measure aimed at reducing drowning incidents by mandating the presence of lifeguards at public swimming pools and bathing facilities.
The bill, formally known as the Lifeguard Act of 2022 (Senate Bill No. 1142), stipulates that operators of public swimming pools, whether they charge an entry fee or not, must employ at least one certified lifeguard. This requirement extends to a variety of establishments, including hotels, inns, motels, condominiums, clubhouses, and other public or residential settings, with the exception of single-family homes.
Senator Gatchalian emphasized the urgency of the bill, stating, “Every year, we hear tragic stories of drowning, particularly involving our youth. It’s imperative that we have lifeguards in every public swimming pool to significantly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities due to drowning.”
According to the proposed legislation, an additional lifeguard must be hired for every 250 square meters of pool area exceeding the initial size. These lifeguards are required to hold certifications from nationally recognized organizations that have received accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH).
Drowning statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2022 revealed a concerning number of 3,576 deaths due to drowning, with the highest incidences occurring in March (317), April (391), and May (345). The World Health Organization also highlights drowning as a leading cause of death among children aged one to 14.
The bill mandates that pool operators must furnish local government units (LGUs) with the necessary certifications and supporting documents to verify their compliance with the lifeguard requirements. LGUs are tasked with ensuring adherence to these regulations through periodic inspections conducted by Local Health Officers or other qualified personnel. Pool operators will receive permits from LGUs upon successful verification of their documentation.
In cases where serious injury or death occurs at a public swimming pool, operators who have failed to meet the lifeguard staffing requirements could face imprisonment of up to six months and fines not exceeding P200,000. LGU officials may also face administrative penalties for neglecting their oversight responsibilities. Lifeguards found guilty of gross negligence or imprudence leading to serious injury or death while on duty could be imprisoned for up to one year and fined up to P200,000.
The Lifeguard Act is seen as a critical step towards enhancing public safety and preventing avoidable tragedies in aquatic environments.