INCIDENCE OF DROWNING IN THE SINGAPORE RIVER

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INCIDENCE OF DROWNING IN THE SINGAPORE RIVER:

(Safety measures):

14\. Dr Lam Pin Min asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) what is the incidence of drowning in the Singapore River over the past 3 years; (b) what are the causes of such drownings; and (c) what measures have been put in place to minimise accidental drownings.

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim): In the past three years, there were five cases of drowning in the Singapore River. The cause of the recent case on 25th December is still under investigation by the Police. In the other recent case on 19th December, a man drowned when he tried to save someone who had fallen into the water.

These cases of drowning in the Singapore River did not arise from accidents during water activities. Nonetheless, for water activities and events carried out in Marina Reservoir including Singapore River, PUB requires operators and event organisers to put in place adequate safety measures. For example, water taxis that ply the Singapore River are equipped with life jackets. Operators also oversee general safety procedures for canoeing, kayaking and dragon-boating in Marina Reservoir and conduct water safety briefings to boaters before commencement of these activities. Organisers of events in the Marina Reservoir are also required to deploy safety boats and implement proper crowd control. Life buoys are placed at the various water taxi jetties in case someone falls into the water.

In addition, Sir, there are safety railings and chains along most stretches of the Singapore River to prevent people from going to the edge of the river wall or

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accidentally falling into the river. For certain stretches around Boat Quay and Clarke Quay areas without railings or chains, there are steps leading into the river instead of river walls. There is, therefore, low risk of pedestrians falling directly into the water at these steps.

Although safety measures have been put in place, they are effective only if adhered to. The public also needs to exercise personal responsibility and be careful when they are near the river bank, as for any other water bodies.

Dr Lam Pin Min: Minister, I would like to highlight that I remember quite a number of these drownings actually happened at night and I was just wondering if the poor lightings along the banks of the river could have contributed to these fatal drownings, as any accidental falls into the river may be missed due to the poor visibility and, as such, whether the Ministry would consider improving the lighting conditions along the Singapore River.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Sir, the lighting along the Singapore River is done in conjunction with the URA. But the point is noted that we can continue to review whether or not the lighting is adequate, especially in areas where there are crowds. But at the end of the day, it is also important for people who use the facilities along the river to take the necessary precautions.