SAFE BEACHES

Dr Teo Ho Pin asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the measures taken by his Ministry to ensure that our beaches are safe for swimming, sailcraft and powered boat activities; (b) whether the beaches are demarcated for such activities by signages or markers; and (c) what are the programmes initiated to increase the awareness of the public concerning the danger spots along our beaches.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: Many agencies are involved in the management of Singapore's beaches, coastlines and related sea sports. For example, PWD is responsible for breakwaters and seawalls, NParks is responsible for the management of parks adjacent to beaches, while Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) regulates the use of sail crafts and powered boat activities in water adjacent to beaches.

To ensure the safety of swimmers from watercrafts, MPA has regulations to restrict watercrafts from encroaching into areas designated for swimming. For beaches close to parks, NParks also does not allow powered water-sports boats like jet skis from being launched from parks. Warning signs have also been put up along potentially dangerous areas along the beach to warn the public. In addition, the Singapore Life-Saving Society provides a rescue service at East Coast Park and Changi Beach Park.

NParks has, through the media, encouraged the public to observe warning signs erected. The Singapore Life-Saving Society has also used the media as a means to educate the public on the need to exercise care and to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Although the various agencies have taken steps to make the beaches and shorelines as safe as possible, users of beaches should exercise due care when visiting the beaches.