Philippine Islands Lifeguard Association - PILA

26/06/2024

https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/fifth-beachgoer-dies-in-just-four-days-at-this-popular-vacation-spot/ar-BB1oWfVI?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=b047ff94be504dbaad281a293336f7ae&ei=13

A fifth beachgoer has drowned in just four days during sweltering weather and furious rip currents at this popular vacation spot.

30/12/2023

https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html

Drowning Prevention

30/12/2023

BACK GROUND ON Philippine Islands Lifeguard Association - PILA

Mike is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in water safety and law enforcement. His journey began on the shores of Donegal and Tyrone in Ireland, where he gained his Distinction and Award of Merit in Live Saving and Irish Swimming Teachers Cert. Mike then went on to Ocean City, Maryland, USA, where he served as a lifeguard, (Surf Rescue Technician) with the Ocean City Beach Patrol for six seasons. During this time, Mike honed his skills in ocean surf rescue, gaining valuable experience in ensuring the safety of beachgoers and responding to emergencies along the scenic Maryland coastline.

Venturing beyond the sandy shores, Mike embraced a passion for diving, earning the prestigious title of a 20-year PADI Dive Master and Assistant Diving Instructor. His underwater expertise and commitment to safety have made him a trusted figure in the diving community, guiding and instructing enthusiasts in the intricacies of underwater exploration.

Mike's career took an international benevolent turn when he joined the New South Wales Sydney Olympic Marine Water Police in Australia. For just under five years, he contributed to maritime law enforcement efforts and general patrolling the iconic Sydney waters and City prior to the Olympic Games.

His dedication to ensuring the security and safety of Australia's marine environment, its citizens and visitors showcased his adaptability and commitment to his public service on a global scale.

With a wealth of experience spanning from lifeguarding, diving instruction, and marine law enforcement, Mike exemplifies a well-rounded water safety professional whose expertise extends from the sandy beaches of Maryland to the vibrant waters of Sydney, Australia and now The Philippine Islands.

30/12/2023

Manila, The Philippines, 30th December, 2023

Take 2 to 3 mins to read and view this it could save your life - swim safe all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9rk3brkHew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug2TMPKGrvc

1. **Check Weather and Tide Conditions:** Before entering the ocean, be aware of the weather forecast and tide conditions to ensure safe swimming.

2. **Swim in Designated Areas:** Stick to designated swimming areas with lifeguards when possible, as they are often monitored for safety. So swim between the flags where they are guarded generally and ask about marine life which could be hazardous to your safety and heath in particular jelly fish and stone fish.

3. **Learn to Identify Rip Currents:** Educate yourself on how to recognize signs of rip currents, such as discolored or choppy water, and avoid swimming in those areas.

4. **Observe Warning Flags:** Pay attention to warning flags on the beach. Different colors indicate various conditions, including the presence of rip currents.

5. **Swim with a Buddy:** Always swim with a friend or family member, if safe to do so, so you may be able help each other in case of an emergency. Most importantly if cannot swim don't go past waist deep when water is calm. If choppy stay knee deep.

6. **Stay within Your Depth:** Be mindful of your swimming abilities and stay within your depth, especially if you are not a strong swimmer and watch out for dumper waves, these can cause serious injuries.

7. **Don't Panic in Rip Currents:** If caught in a rip current, stay calm to help arrives. DO NOT SWIM directly back to shore, swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the under current's pull, you will waste your energy. Be mindful not to swim into another rip current when coming back. If no assistance available and you have energy to do so, keep swimming parallel to shore and then look for calm flat water to swim to return to shore.

8. **Signal for Help:** If you're struggling or in distress, signal for help immediately, wave hands in the air if you can. Don't hesitate to call for assistance from lifeguards or fellow beachgoers.

9. **Know Your Limits:** Don't overestimate your swimming abilities. If conditions are challenging, it's okay to stay close to the shore and enjoy shallow water.

10. **Take Swimming Lessons:** If you're not a strong swimmer, consider taking swimming lessons to improve your skills and confidence in the water.

Tagalog apologies if not translated correctly.

1. **Suriin ang Panahon at Kondisyon ng Alon:** Bago pumasok sa karagatan, alamin ang weather forecast at tide conditions upang siguruhing ligtas ang paglangoy.

2. **Maglangoy sa Itinakdang Lugar:** Manatili sa itinakdang lugar na may mga lifeguard kung maaari, dahil kadalasang binabantayan ang mga ito para sa kaligtasan. Kaya lumangoy sa pagitan ng mga bandila kung saan sila kadalasang bantayang mabuti at magtanong tungkol sa mga marine na buhay na maaaring maging panganib sa iyong kaligtasan at kalusugan, lalo na ang jellyfish at stonefish.

3. **Matuto Tuklasin ang Rip Currents:** Edukahan ang iyong sarili kung paano makilala ang mga senyales ng rip currents, tulad ng nababago o maalon na tubig, at iwasang lumangoy sa mga lugar na iyon.

4. **Obserbahan ang Mga Flag ng Babala:** Maglaan ng pansin sa mga flag ng babala sa tabi ng dagat. Ang iba't ibang kulay ay nagpapahiwatig ng iba't ibang kondisyon, kabilang ang presensya ng rip currents.

5. **Lumangoy kasama ang Kaibigan:** Palaging lumangoy kasama ang kaibigan o kasapi ng pamilya, kung ligtas gawin ito, upang maaari kayong magtulungan sa oras ng emerhensiya. Pinakamahalaga, kung hindi marunong lumangoy, huwag lumampas sa baywang-deep kapag tahimik ang tubig. Kapag maalon, manatili sa tuhod-deep.

6. **Manatili sa Iyong Lalim:** Maging maingat sa iyong kakayahan sa paglangoy at manatili sa iyong lalim, lalo na kung hindi ka malakas na lumangoy. Mag-ingat sa mga dumper waves, maaari itong magdulot ng malubhang pinsala.

7. **Huwag Mangamba sa Rip Currents:** Kung nahuli ka sa isang rip current, manatili kang kalmado hanggang dumating ang tulong. HUWAG LUMANGOY ng direkta pabalik sa baybayin, lumangoy nang parehong direksyon sa kahabaan ng pampang upang makatakas sa pag-igib ng ilalim. Mag-ingat na huwag lumangoy patungo sa isa pang rip current pagbalik. Kung wala kang tulong at may lakas kang gawin ito, patuloy na lumangoy nang parehong direksyon sa pampang at hanapin ang payapang patag na tubig para makabalik sa baybayin.

8. **Magbigay ng Senyales para sa Tulong:** Kung nahihirapan o nanganganib, magbigay agad ng senyales para sa tulong, iwagayway ang mga kamay sa hangin kung maaari. Huwag mag-atubiling humingi ng tulong mula sa mga lifeguard o kapwa naglalakbay sa baybay.

9. **Kilalanin ang Iyong Limitasyon:** Huwag subukan ang iyong kakayahan sa paglangoy. Kung ang kondisyon ay mahirap, okay lang manatili malapit sa baybayin at mag-enjoy sa mababaw na tubig.

10. **Mag-Aral ng Paglangoy:** Kung hindi ka malakas na lumangoy, isalang consider na mag-aral ng paglangoy upang mapabuti ang iyong kasanayan at kumpiyansa sa tubig.

30/12/2023

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/12/29/2322017/san-juan-la-union-beaches-closed

Beaches in San Juan town in La Union, dubbed as the surfing capital of the North, have been closed to tourists since Wednesday.

18/06/2023

Watch this space coming soon!