Surigao Norte coast guard personnel train on water search, rescue
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In a continuous effort to enhance disaster response and ensure public safety, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Surigao del Norte, through the Coast Guard Sub-Station Mainit, conducted a training on Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) in the municipality of Mainit.
Held October 16–17, the training equipped the participants with essential knowledge and skills in water rescue operations, including basic lifesaving, rescue swimming, victim approach, boat handling and first aid administration to effectively respond during any water-related emergency situations.
Also, the WASAR is a training program for professionals and volunteers in water-related emergencies, such as floods, drowning, or maritime incidents, the PCG said.
A total of 19 responders and rescue volunteers underwent the comprehensive water search and rescue training spearheaded by the Mainit Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and facilitated by Coast Guard District Northeastern Mindanao Operational Control Unit, including Coast Guard Special Operations Group (CGSOG-NEM), Coast Guard Medical Station-Northeastern Mindanao (CGMEDS-NEM) and Coast Guard Nursing Service-Northeastern Mindanao (CGNS-NEM).
PCG Surigao del Norte Station Commander Roy Christopher R. Orillaneda said, “The training featured a hands-on body conditioning prior to the training proper to enhance the participants’ physical strength, endurance and swimming capability and followed by a week-long water evolutions focused on the WASAR proper which included practical exercises on rescue techniques, victim and carry approaches, underwater search patterns, Basic Life Support, and one mile swimming activity.”
He added, “This intensive program ensured that every participant gained both the physical preparedness and technical competence needed to effectively respond during water-related emergencies, embodying the readiness and dedication of every rescuer in safeguarding lives and promoting maritime safety.”
“Through this endeavor, the PCG highlighted its shared commitment to maritime safety by promoting a culture of humanitarian service and disaster preparedness and embodying the true spirit of ‘bayanihan’ in protecting lives and communities.” Orillaneda emphasized.
One of the participants, Noel, expressed his strong feeling of being more prepared and equipped to handle water-related emergencies, recognizing the practical and life-saving nature of the learned, such as basic life support, different swimming and rescue methods, and water safety. “I felt a renewed sense of duty and commitment to applying the new skills to protect our communities and save lives.” (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)