Lingayen: In a tragic incident on New Year’s Eve, two individuals drowned and two others were rescued from a near-drowning situation at Lingayen beach, Pangasinan. The local disaster response teams were quick to act, but not all lives could be saved.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), along with the Lingayen Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, responded swiftly after the victims’ companions raised the alarm. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when strong waves and currents pulled the swimmers into deeper waters.

Lt. Trisha Mae Guzman, information officer for the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, reported that among the rescued were an 18-year-old from La Paz, Tarlac, and a 13-year-old from Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Both were transported to a nearby hospital and survived the ordeal. However, a 19-year-old from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, who was also rescued, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. The body of another victim, a 16-year-old from La Paz, Tarlac, was recovered early Wednesday morning following search and rescue operations.

In response to the incident, the PDRRMO has enforced a temporary no-swimming policy as directed by the municipal and provincial authorities. The agency has also taken to social media to educate the public on the dangers of rip currents and how to identify them.

Despite the tragedy, the PDRRMO and Lingayen MDRRMO remain vigilant, deploying personnel to monitor the beach due to the expected increase in visitors following the New Year’s celebrations.