The city government’s Oplan Zero Drowning implemented along the beach of Bonuan Tondaligan Park during the recent observance of the Holy Week season and Pista’y Dayat has been fully achieved after no single drowning victim was reported.

“No untoward incidences happened during the influx of bid crowds of people that came to the beach,” said Dino Zabala, Tondaligan Park Administrator.

According to Zabala, the success of the anti-drowning operation was achieved through the tight watch conducted by the four professional Red Cross certified lifeguards who were stationed at their respective high towers on look out at the swimming public from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm equipped with binoculars, megaphones, ring buoys and whistles.

The professional lifeguards were augmented by lifesaver organizations in Tondaligan beach composed mainly of 50 volunteers who helped monitor and ensure the safety of the swimming public.

He added that from April 10 up to the present, no drowning incident was reported except for six persons who were almost drowned, but were immediately rescued by lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers on the look out within their areas of responsibility.

Among those that almost drowned but saved were: Rodel Mendoza, 20 years old from Bonuan Boquig (April 15); Alfie Angelo, 11 years old; Ann Gayo, 12 years old and Jillian Villanueva, all residents of Benguet (April 17); Randy Melchor 11 years old from Nueva Ecija (May 7) and Arthur Martin, 62 years old from Brgy. Malued.

The Tondaligan Park Administration also served as an assistance center for lost beach-wandering kids who were immediately returned to their respective parents. (Leziel T. Cayabyab)