SINGAPORE: Water safety experts said the death of the five dragon boat team members is tragic, but added that there was no excuse for them not to wear life jackets.

Life jackets are compulsory at all dragon boat races in Singapore. But the national team decided not to wear them at the fateful event last Friday because they did not want anything to slow them down.

Dr Teo Ho Pin, chairman of the National Water Safety Council, said: "I don't consider those as valid reasons because I think we should not compromise on safety. Safety is paramount, especially in open waters, in river conditions that are unpredictable."

Mr Henry Ling, former founding chairman of the People's Association Adventure Club, agrees with that opinion.

As one of the pioneers who introduced sea sports to Singapore in the early 1970s, Mr Ling said water safety was a priority even then, and it was stipulated that life jackets had to be worn at all levels of training.

He added that a life jacket does not affect performance, if it is worn properly.

"The rotary movement of the hand should not be impeded. When you tighten, it should allow free movement so it will not impede your speed. I don't buy the fact that because of a life jacket, you will lose a race," said Mr Ling.

All water sports carry the risk of drowning, so the National Water Safety Council plans to work with sports associations, clubs and schools to set safety standards.

Dr Teo said: "It is important that we look into the water safety of different competencies of users – from the novice all the way to those in the national team. I think we should have a minimum water safety guide or standard operating procedure for all dragon boat paddlers."

At present, the International Dragon Boat Federation has no rules requiring participants to wear life jackets, but both Dr Teo and Mr Ling hope water safety will be made a priority at competitions.


- CNA/so