Baguio beefs up boating safety regulations following Burnham Lake mishap

Baguio City, Philippines – The city government of Baguio is on the move towards the improvement of its security detail at Burnham following the recent boating mishap involving at least seven tourists and a local rower.

The tourists, including a 5-month-old baby, were enjoying their recreational activity at the manmade lake when the incident happened around 6 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 23.

The police in their initial report said that when the rower named Noel Pineda avoided colliding with another boat, the boat they were riding hit the rubber fence of the fountain, causing the boat to tilt sideways. In return, the tourists and the rower fell.

Other rowers rushed to help. They were immediately transported by Emergency Medical Services personnel to Baguio General Hospital.

The tourists are identified as Jonie Manaoat, Sherrie Mat Manaoat, Rander Manaoat, Ruby Ann Trinidad, Precious Reem Trinidad, Emmanuel Trinidad, and the baby.

They are all now in stable condition.

City Administrator Engr. Bonifacio Dela Peña said the occurrence is a "signal" for the implementation of stringent measures.

Earlier this month, the city council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance requiring the use of life vests when riding boats at the lake. Under the measure, the concessionaires shall be responsible for providing life vests and any passenger who refuses to wear a life vest shall not be allowed to board the watercraft.

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