HomeMy WebLinkAboutFunding for Lifeguard Training Program - Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo\/ 1 j _
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT SISTER CITIES
STAFF REPORT
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Donna Gomez, Visitor Center Manager
Date: September 22, 2005
Subject: LIFEGUARD PROGRAM
Recommendation:
By minute motion, authorize the expenditure of $2,000 for implementation of a Lifeguard
Training Program in Palm Desert's Sister City of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico. No further
appropriation is necessary as funds are available in the FY 2005/06 Sister Cities budget, Account
No. 110-4416-414-3126.
Background:
Statistics have shown that the incidence of drownings in the country of Mexico is alarmingly
high. Because our Sister City is a tourism destination, it has seen the effects of this problem
within its own community, impacting both the local residents as well as tourists.
Based on this, the Sister Cities Humanitarian Subcommittee has developed, in conjunction with
the U.S. Lifesaving Association -Club Tortuga, a life guard training program in Palm Desert's
Sister City of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Fire Chief Ignacio Otero has assisted in this process
and has conducted the initial research and garnered support for the program while recently in
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.
Club Tortuga is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing professional services to
any and all lifesaving clubs or groups within Mexico, as well as assisting in the formation and
support of similar organizations elsewhere in Latin America. The group is comprised of
volunteer professional lifeguards throughout North America and the world, as well as
businessmen, government officials, etc.
Staff Report - Sister Cities - Lifeguard Program
September 22, 2005
The proposed program would run October 16 — 24, 2005, and provide lifesaving training and
techniques for 50-100 people from Zihuatanejo's Fire Department, public protection agencies,
Red Cross, and Hotel Association. The instructors will consist of four to six Mexican associates
that have been adequately trained by the U.S. Lifesaving Association.
The request for funding includes costs to cover transportation expenses, such as flight and/or
ground transportation for the trainers traveling to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo from various parts of
Mexico. The request for funding is $2,000.00, which will cover all associated transportation
costs and possibly some equipment expenses.
SUBMITTED BY:
VIEWb.: 'ROVED:
DONNA GOMEi, MA*GER SHEILA RR GILLIGAN
VISITOR CENTER
APPROVED:
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ACM/COMMUNITY S ICES
APPROVED:
PAUL S. GIBSON, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE CARLOS L. OR GA, CITY MANAGER
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