Antique steps up drowning fight after 77 deaths since 2019

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The provincial government of Antique is intensifying its drowning prevention program after recording an alarming number of drowning deaths in recent years, with most incidents occurring in open seas, rivers, and streams.

Records from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) show the province documented 192 drowning incidents in open waters from 2019 to 2025, accounting for 85% of all cases.

The province recorded 77 fatal drowning incidents during the same period, with 2022 registering the highest toll at 18 – many of them linked to flooding during Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

“The drowning rate in Antique remains very alarming and we continue to record fatalities,” said PDRRMO head Broderick Train.

In response, the provincial government has partnered with Surf Life Saving Philippines Inc. (SLSP) and the South East Asia Lifesaving (SEAL) Network to hold the 2026 World Drowning Prevention Learning Conference on July 7.

The conference forms part of the province’s observance of National Disaster Resilience Month and World Drowning Prevention Day, which is marked globally on July 25.

Train said the conference is expected to lead to the creation of an interim Local Government Unit (LGU) Drowning Prevention Council and a comprehensive LGU Drowning Prevention Plan, addressing what he described as a 13-year gap in public safety initiatives.

He said one of the province’s major challenges is the shortage of trained lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers in inland and coastal resorts and other recreational areas.

He added that the shortage stems from the absence of a governing body that certifies lifeguards and lifesavers.

To strengthen local capabilities, the provincial government has secured the services of David Field, an Australian volunteer from a Surf Life Saving Club, through the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency.

Field, a veteran surf lifesaver and lifeguard trainer, will spend three months in Antique providing technical assistance on water safety, lifesaving, and lifeguarding.

Train said the province sought international assistance after recognizing the need to enhance its drowning prevention efforts.

Field will first train provincial personnel before the program expands to schools, local DRRM offices, local government units, and communities across Antique.

Training will begin at the Binirayan Sports Complex and selected coastal areas in San Jose de Buenavista before rolling out to towns across the province.

The training will be tailored to the hazards unique to each community, Train said, noting that coastal villages record the highest number of drowning incidents because many fishermen venture out to sea despite dangerous weather.

“Because of their livelihood, many people cross rivers and streams, not realizing that heavy rains upstream can suddenly trigger flash floods, which remain one of our biggest hazards,” the PDRRMO chief said.

“We also cannot avoid situations where people return to rescue their livestock, and these are among the leading causes of drowning incidents,” he added.

Gov. Paolo Javier underscored the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness by equipping communities with lifesaving knowledge and skills.

“From the provincial government down to our barangay communities, initiatives like this are very important. When disasters or calamities strike, more people will know what to do, communities will be able to help one another, and more lives can be saved,” Javier said.