A 34-year-old man drowned while swimming with his two children at Tondaligan Beach in Dagupan City on Saturday morning, May 17, 2025.

The victim, a resident of Quezon City, was part of a team-building activity with family and friends when he and his children, two and six years old, encountered a strong rip current around 10 a.m.

Tondaligan Beach Park Chief Lifeguard Ella Oribello said while they were being pulled by the rip current, the six-year-old was able to move to a safe spot and called for help.

“Noong mahuhulog sa rip current, ‘yung six years old nakabitaw sa tatay, nakalayo, nakapunta sa gilid, [at] humingi ng saklolo,” Oribello said.

Lifeguards managed to rescue the two-year-old child but the father could not be saved in time. He was brought to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Dagupan City Police Chief PLTCOL Brendon Palisoc said the victim was swimming in an area that is off-limits to beachgoers.

“Yung lugar kung saan nalunod yung victim ay hindi ina-allow ang mga visitor na pumunta roon,” he said.

Authorities have since tightened monitoring at beaches with police, lifeguards, maritime police, and the Philippine Coast Guard jointly patrolling the area to ensure the safety of swimmers.

With the ongoing heat, many people continue to visit the beach.

Trisha Dedomo, one of the beachgoers, said she takes extra precautions.

"Pag 'di alam [kung paano] lumangoy, sa gilid na lang. Bawal ang busog. Pagkatapos kumain, ‘wag lumusong agad,” she said.

Officials remind the public that swimming beyond 5 p.m. remains strictly prohibited.