Lapu-Lapu City officials will invite the Philippine Red Cross in its investigation into two drowning incidents that occurred in a popular beach resort in the past two weeks.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said she favors an investigation as proposed by her nephew, Councilor Harry Radaza.
She said the PRC could review the capabilities of lifeguards detailed in the Portofino beach resort.
Chebar Albores, acting manager of Portofino beach resort, said they welcome an investigation to to clear up any doubts about their conduct.
“For us, we are sure there was no negligence on our part,” Albores said in a phone interview.
He said they warn guests not to swim when they have drunk alcohol and the resort stopped selling beer after 6 p.m. following the June 6 drowning of a 22-year-old student.
He denied reports that there was a strong undercurrent in the beachwater.
He said Portofino beach resort has a 200 square-meter beach front where they placed markers to remind guests which area is safe to swim in.
Albores said they have four lifeguards and several watchers on duty.
The resort is owned by the Zamora family of Cebu and has operated for more than a decade.
The City Council investigation will be led by Councilor Queenie Amman, vice chairperson of the tourism committee.
Councilor Radaza will return to the country from Hawaii on September.
Amman said she talked with the councilor about the issue yesterday and will ask the council to from an investigation committee.
Amman said she checked with the council secretariat to verify if they have an ordinance requiring hotels and resorts or any establishment with swimming facilities to have lifeguards or warning signs on dangerous areas.
“If the city has not made an ordinance yet, I think it’s about time to create one for the protection and safety of local and foreign guests,” she said. Councilor Radaza agreed.
“In fact being in Hawaii (for my brother’s wedding), I’ve seen all beaches here (even the public beaches) full of warning signs about sharks, jelly fish, strong undercurrents etc. This can be a model for us,” he said.
PRC officer Joseph Mendaros said they will review the list of lifeguards in Lapu-Lapu resorts including those in Portofino. /Norman V. Mendoza, Correspondent