17/08/2026
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SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique β Support staff from various units of the University of Antique (UA) completed the Special Swim and Survive (SSS) Program Aquatic Lifesaver and REC Lifesaver Training Course on August 15-16, 2026.
Organized by Philippine Life SavingβAntique, the two-day training covered both pool and open-water environments, emphasizing the different approaches required for swimming, survival, and rescue in each setting.
The training covered seven levels of water skills competency, along with water entries and exits, sculling and body orientation, underwater skills, survival strategies and techniques, survival and personal flotation device (PFD) skills, swimming and lifesaving strokes, and lifesaving skills and rescue techniques.
The participants were also introduced to the proper selection, handling, and use of lifesaving and rescue equipment for aquatic emergencies. The instruction emphasized the appropriate use of equipment based on the situation and the safety of both the rescuer and the person being assisted.
On the first day, participants trained in a swimming pool, practicing swimming and survival techniques, basic aquatic rescue, and emergency response in a controlled environment. The session focused on developing and refining fundamental skills under predictable water conditions.
On the second day, participants moved to an open-water environment and applied the skills learned in the pool under actual water conditions. The session required participants to consider factors such as water movement, depth, visibility, and other environmental conditions that are not present in a controlled pool setting.
The training demonstrated the importance of adapting water safety, survival, and rescue techniques to the environment. Pool training provides a controlled setting for developing technique and control, while open-water training requires participants to assess conditions and adjust their movements, survival strategies, and rescue responses accordingly.
Participants also completed the Resuscitation and Emergency Care (REC) Training for Basic Life Support (Drowning CPR), equipping them with essential skills to respond to drowning and other water-related emergencies.
The Special Swim and Survive Program is designed to provide participants with sound knowledge, safe skills, and appropriate attitudes when in, on, and around water, while enhancing their swimming and lifesaving capabilities.
According to the Philippine Life Saving Society (PLS), it is a recognized member of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), with training modules aligned with international lifesaving standards and informed by the ILS, Royal Life Saving Society, and Surf Life Saving Australia.
PLS also cited its accreditation and partnerships with government agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard under Memorandum Circular No. 03-14; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in relation to Lifeguard Services NC II and NC III training regulations and assessment; and the Department of Health (DOH) for drowning prevention advocacy and training through the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau.
The completion of the training strengthens UAβs efforts to equip its personnel with practical water safety, emergency response, and lifesaving skills, supporting the universityβs commitment to sports development and community safety.
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