Importance of Shared Responsibility in Ensuring Water Safety

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. First of all, it is my pleasure to be here today for the launch of two Codes of Practice for Water Safety. One for Aquatic Facilities, and the other for Inland and Open Water Sporting Activities.

2. In so doing, we mark yet another step towards achieving a safer aquatic sporting environment for everyone here in Singapore.

Importance of Water Safety

3. Over the years, there has been a sustained interest in aquatic sports. But we have also seen some fatalities in open waters and in aquatic facilities. These accidents are unfortunate, and they serve as stark reminders of the risks involved in aquatic sports, and perhaps more importantly, the issue of water safety.

Water Safety as a Shared Responsibility and Efforts in Raising Awareness

4. Water safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone – not just organisations involved in aquatic sports and fitness, or those managing aquatic facilities – has a part to play.

5. It is imperative that members of the community are aware of good water safety habits and practise these habits to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

6. With the relevant support and knowledge, every participant - whether a seasoned athlete or a novice - should feel confident and safe when pursuing their passion for water sports.

7. Therefore, I am heartened by various efforts being undertaken to improve water safety. For instance, to raise awareness on shallow water blackout, a Water Surveillance Guide and relevant articles were disseminated at all public pools and to swim coaches, referencing overseas research and discussions. These were efforts to educate swimmers on the dangers of repetitive prolonged breath-holding, especially if intentional or unintentional hyperventilation has occurred, leading to a shallow water blackout.

Launch of two new Singapore Standards on Water Safety

8. Today, I am pleased to introduce two new Codes of Practice that will play a pivotal role in shaping our water safety landscape:

   1. the Singapore Standard: Code of Practice for Water Safety – Aquatic Facilities; and

   2. the Singapore Standard: Code of Practice for Inland and Open Water Sporting Activities
      
      SS Code of Practice for Water Safety

   • The SS Code of Practice, or COP, for Water Safety builds upon the existing COP for Sport Safety that outlines general requirements for the prevention of drowning and injuries at aquatic facilities in Singapore.

   • This has been updated with guidelines for lifeguards, instructors, coaches, parents, and caregivers to enhance supervision and recognise and respond to potential emergencies.
     
     SS Code of Practice for Inland and Open Water Sporting Activities

   • As we work to increase opportunities for Singaporeans to participate in water sports - such as the new ActiveSG Canoe Academy set up in 2020 - a collective effort involving every one of us in this hall and beyond, must be made to increase awareness of the potential risks of these sports and clear steps for all to take so that we can ensure the safety of participants.

   • As such, the other new COP on Inland and Open Water Sporting Activities emphasises personal responsibility and those of venue owners, and outlines the importance of safety management systems and the readiness of facilities and equipment. Additionally, it highlights the unique water safety requirements of the common inland and open water sporting activities in Singapore.

   • For those venturing into inland and open water sporting activities, this COP will serve as a compass by ensuring that safety is not an afterthought but an integral part of our planning and execution.

Conclusion

9. In essence, the two new codes signal our collective commitment to foster a safer, more responsible, and empowered sporting community. We believe that these two codes will inspire confidence in both businesses and individuals, encouraging more people to explore and enjoy aquatic sports safely.

10. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Sport Singapore, Enterprise Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, National Parks Board, National Youth Council - Outward Bound Singapore, various National Sports Associations governing water sports and all valued members of the Working Groups, for your contribution to the COPs. A big thank you for your dedication towards building a safer sporting environment in Singapore.

11. To all who have played a crucial role in one way or another in maintaining safety within our aquatic sports community - a sincere and heartfelt thank you. We appreciate your tireless efforts and your selflessness, contributing to the safeguarding of countless lives amongst us.

12. A big round of applause to all of you.

13. On that note, I wish everybody a fruitful, enriching and most wonderful afternoon ahead. Thank you very much.