By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

TO prevent future accidents and tragedies, a lawmaker says residents and tourists should first secure a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources before they visit the Forbidden Island sanctuary where four students drowned on Friday.
Rep. Ray N. Yumul, Ind.-Saipan and vice chairman of the House Committee on Commerce and tourism, yesterday said “because Forbidden Island is a sanctuary, we can make a simple amendment to existing policy to mandate anyone who wants to visit the site, which is not staffed by life guards, to get a permit and be warned about the hazards there.”
He said the signs at Forbidden Island are general reminders to tourists and residents about the need to preserve marine resources.
“These signs are reminders that Forbidden Island is a sanctuary and that tourists and residents are not allowed to fish or get coral,” he said.
Yumul said his committee will notify the Marianas Visitor Authority and the Department of Land and Natural Resources about the need to require additional safety measures that will prevent future tragedies.
“We need banners or signs that will specifically explain to tourists, hikers, and residents who want to enjoy the site to be extra cautious and be aware of their surroundings,” he said.
He said he will ask MVA and other agencies about the possibility of placing emergency equipment in strategic areas of sanctuaries for immediate rescue operations.
“We will also asks the House members of Precincts 1 and 4 to find a site on the west side of Forbidden Island for a boat raft so that those at Smiling Cove Marina or Sugar Dock or Kagman can launch an immediate rescue operation,” he said.
Yumul said Friday’s accident was the worst drowning incident on Saipan since the death of six boy scouts “many years ago.”
He said groups or individuals who want to visit Forbidden Island should be given specific “do’s and don’t’s.”
Yumul said that perhaps they should be required to bring certain emergency equipment or tour personnel to guide them.
“We will work with MVA and concerned agencies on the best way to address this and help prevent another tragedy from happening again,” Yumul said, adding that the permitting measure he will propose will be patterned after those implemented in U.S. national parks and sanctuaries.