Manila: Tourists and residents of Antique have been urged to observe water safety during the long Undas weekend. Michael Tolentino, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (DRRMO), said in an interview on Thursday that they will conduct coastal watch from Oct. 30 until Nov. 4 to prevent any drowning incidents.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tolentino emphasized the importance of water safety for those visiting both cemeteries and beaches. He stated, "We urge tourists, as well as residents, who not only go to the cemeteries but also to the beaches for swimming, to observe water safety so there will be no drowning accident that would happen to them." To ensure safety, personnel have been deployed not only to cemeteries and roads but also to coastal areas for beach watch.

Antique has a significant number of coastal areas, with fifteen out of its eighteen municipalities located along the coast. In a separate interview, Pio Jessielito Sumande, president of the Philippine Life-Saving Society - Antique Chapter, mentioned that they have 50 members trained in water rescue and basic life support ready to assist the provincial and municipal DRRMOs.

Sumande advised swimmers to avoid alcoholic drinks and to adopt a buddy system, where each person swimming has a companion who can call for help if necessary. He also urged parents to closely monitor their children when they go swimming.