PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – In an unparalleled event, the International Federation of Aquatic Rescue (ILS) and the Mexican government, under the leadership of Professor Luis Alberto Michel Rodríguez, have joined forces to host the inaugural Congress of Sports Rescue and Drowning Prevention in Puerto Vallarta.
Involving a broad range of Rescue Institutions and Volunteer Groups from various States of the Mexican Republic, the congress aims to standardize prevention methods and techniques, along with raising awareness about the increasing issue of drowning on the nation’s coasts.
Highlighting the significance of the event, the director of Civil Protection and Firefighters, Gerardo Alonzo Castillón Andrade said, “Puerto Vallarta is one of the most visited and safest tourist destinations in the country. It is therefore vital to continually train our teams to ensure this status.”
As part of the congress, practical drills were executed on Camarones beach on Thursday, where the skills discussed during the conference were put to test under the watchful eyes of national and international instructors. This real-world practice is expected to significantly bolster rescue operations not just in Puerto Vallarta, but across a large part of the country.
The congress is a call to arms for all rescue forces, including volunteer groups from every corner of the Mexican Republic, to face the alarming issue of drowning. Notably, experts and instructors from the United States, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Mexico, each bringing their wealth of knowledge to the table, are part of the event.
Ignacio González González, president of the Mexican Federation of Aquatic Rescue and Rescue, stressed that this ILS international congress marks a historic first. “This conference seeks to unify all states of the republic in addressing the problem of drowning, a public health issue that has long been overlooked,” González stated.
It is also crucial to mention that the congress is introducing aquatic sports rescue, which is unprecedented in Mexico. Gonzalez expressed gratitude towards the local support from Puerto Vallarta, particularly highlighting Professor Michel’s contributions to making the congress possible.
Among the expert instructors are Peter Davis, Secretary General of the Americas Region of the International Federation of Aquatic Rescue; Eloy García Mondragón, certified trainer of Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support; Claudio Pradenas, from the Guardavida SEAL school; and Leonardo Manino, from the ILS Latin American committee.
The congress covers a broad range of topics, including the use of equipment like boards, jet skis, fins for rescue operations, the socioeconomic impact of drowning, seasonal management strategies, probable spinal injury management, and resuscitation of the drowned.
The landmark event underscores Mexico’s commitment to addressing the critical issue of drowning, and the subsequent steps are eagerly awaited.
PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - In an unparalleled event, the International Federation of Aquatic Rescue (ILS) and the Mexican government, under the leadership of Professor Luis . . .
