Swimming near coastal road discouraged to prevent accidents
SWIMMING is discouraged along the shores of Davao City Coastal Road in order to prevent people from getting involved in accidents in areas with ongoing construction activities, according to the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) on Monday, February 6.
PSSO head Angel Sumagaysay told SunStar Davao that construction sites are prone to accidents since the constant movement of heavy equipment and materials could pose a danger to individuals.
There is no standing order or policy from the city government that prohibits swimming near the coastal road. However, PSSO monitors and reprimands those who are caught swimming at the esplanade park in Bago Aplaya as per the instructions of former mayor Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Pag dili mabantayan, daghan gyod (mag swimming sa esplanade).
Mao na usahay pati ang barangay nagatabang pud saatoa. Dili gyod maiwasan na ang mga bata mag dive (There are really a lot of swimmers when we are not monitoring. That’s why sometimes barangay officials are also helping us. We can’t always prevent those kids from swimming),” Sumagaysay said.
Outside the vicinity of the esplanade park, swimming isn’t directly prohibited as well but it is highly discouraged to avoid accidents. This is clarified after some individuals were prevented by barangay officials from swimming and jumping off the bridge along the coastal road last week.
“Our concern is their safety as construction activities are still ongoing,” Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao Region (DPWH-Davao) spokesperson Dean Ortiz said.
Sumagaysay clarified that there are no sanctions for those who are caught swimming, they are only discouraged for their own safety.
“Kung pwede ayaw sa maligo kung asa naa ongoing construction, may movement ng mga dako na equipment kay basig madisgrasya. Safety precautions lang habang naa pa construction (If possible, they shouldn’t swim while construction is ongoing to avoid accidents with heavy equipment. These are just safety precautions),” he said. /
Kung pwede ayaw sa maligo kung asa naa ongoing construction, may movement ng mga dako na equipment kay basig madisgrasya. Safety precautions lang habang naa pa construction. DEAN ORTIZ
DPWH-Davao spokesperson