Senator Win Gatchalian has renewed his call to require lifeguards in all public swimming schools and bathing facilities, following a sharp rise in drowning incidents nationwide.

The lawmaker issued the appeal after data from the Philippine National Police showed 59 drowning cases recorded from March 29 to April 5—an increase of 136 percent compared to the 25 incidents logged from March 21 to March 28, the week leading up to Holy Week.

Among the reported cases were the deaths of two students who drowned on Black Saturday in Morong, as well as a five-year-old girl who drowned the same day in Don Salvador Benedicto.

Gatchalian expressed concern over the rising number of drowning incidents, particularly involving children, noting that such tragedies could have been prevented with adequate safety measures.

He reiterated the need to pass the proposed Lifeguard Act, which he refiled in the 20th Congress as Senate Bill No. 1517. The measure seeks to mandate all public swimming schools to employ at least one certified lifeguard on duty throughout operating hours.

The senator emphasized that ensuring the presence of trained lifeguards in public swimming facilities is a crucial step in preventing avoidable deaths and improving public safety.