NATIONAL WATER SAFETY TASK FORCE

NATIONAL WATER SAFETY TASK FORCE

**

(Update on work): **

46.

Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) whether he will provide an update on the work of the National Water Safety Task Force; and (b) when will its key recommendations be implemented for public safety.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The inter-agency National Water Safety Task Force led by my Ministry had earlier identified three broad key areas in enhancing water safety - public education, attainment of swimming proficiency, and the application of life-saving skills and equipment.

One of the Task Force's key recommendations was to form a National Water Safety Council to take the lead in promoting and enhancing water safety in Singapore.

Column: 1451

My Ministry has announced the Task Force's recommendations and appointed the Council in April this year. The Council is chaired by Member of Parliament for Bukit Panjang and Honorary Advisory to the Singapore Life Saving Society, Dr Teo Ho Pin, and comprises members from the people, private and public sectors.

The Council has on 29th May 2007 announced its water safety promotion plans for 2007-2008. It intends to adopt a three-pronged strategy to cultivate a water safety culture among Singaporeans: - namely, Embarking on Water Safety Education, Increasing Proficiency in Water Safety Skills Training, and Improving the Safety of our Swimming Pools and Water Bodies.

The Council has also announced a "Water Safety Code" to encourage all Singaporeans to understand the importance of water safety and prevent drowning. The "Water Safety Code" entails the following water safety messages: (i) Learn swimming and water survival skills, (ii) Understand the dangers of the water, (iii) Follow safety rules and signs, (iv) Swim in safe areas, (v) Never swim alone, and (vi) Supervise children and weak swimmers at all times. It is important that all Singaporeans take heed of these water safety messages.

Other specific programmes and initiatives to be undertaken by the Council would include organising campaigns and community programmes to promote water safety, encouraging all school children to participate in the Learn To Swim programme, as well as reviewing existing building codes and best practices for swimming pools and water bodies.

My Ministry will support the Council's work to improve all aspects of water safety. But I would like to emphasise that the Council cannot do it alone. Water safety is a collective responsibility and we all have a part to play. For instance, parents can enrol their children in swimming programmes and exercise constant vigilance when their children are in or near water bodies. Swimmers should also take personal responsibility for their own safety and not overestimate their abilities, even if they are experienced swimmers. Members of the public can also be on the alert to look out for persons in distress when they are around water bodies.