BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Council has approved on third and final reading an ordinance requiring boat riders at Burnham Park Lake to wear life vests. 

Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr., main author of the ordinance, said the wearing of life vests is necessary to counter accidents and other unplanned events that may threaten the lives of a passenger.

“The proper wearing of life vests is intended to safeguard the life of the passengers in case of accidents. It is the simplest life-saving strategy for recreational boating, paddling, or towed water sports,” Cosalan stated.

Under the ordinance, the owner or manager of the boats shall be responsible in providing life vests for all passengers and shall ensure that there is a sufficient number of life vests for each rider.

The operator shall see to it that the life vests fit well and are in good condition.

The Public Order Safety Division under the City Mayor’s Office shall enforce the ordinance and shall be authorized to apprehend violators.

Non-compliant boat owners shall be fined P1,000.00 for the first offense, P1,500.00 and shall have their watercraft impounded until the penalty has been paid for the second offense, and P2,500.00 and shall have their licenses revoked for the third offense.

Non-compliant watercraft operators shall be fined P1,000.00 for the first offense, P1,500.00 for the second offense, and P2,500.00 and shall be barred from operating a watercraft for the third offense.

Community service may also be rendered in lieu of the penalty as deemed appropriate and applicable. 

The ordinance has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by the chief executive.