Lifeguard in Boracay drowns while trying to save Russian

A lifeguard at a beach resort in Boracay Island in Aklan lost his life saving a Russian national who got carried to a deep part of the sea.

The Russian national also died later.

According to the barangay captain of Yapak, the incident happened at past 11 a.m. when the Russian national sought help when he got carried away to the deep part of the sea.

The lifeguard, Rex Pablo Aguirre, entered the water quickly but he also drowned. His body was found about 11 hours later at around 10 p.m.

The Coast Guard in Malay and the Philippine National Police did not issue statements.

Yapak barangay captain Hector Casidsid said the the lifeguard had undergone proper training but was not able to wear a life jacket at that time.

“Kumpleto naman ang kanilang gamit, hindi lang naisuot (ang) lifejacket. Naka-training naman sila sa rescue. Nakita niya ang taong humihingi ng tulong. Ni-rescue rin ng mga Coast Guard,” he said.

(His equipment was complete, he was just not able to wear his life jacket. They are trained to rescue. He saw someone heeded help. They were retrieved by the Coast Guard.) —GMA Regional TV News