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SINGAPORE: Members of Parliament were assured on Tuesday that steps have been taken to ensure that users of parks and reservoirs are safe within the premises.
At the same time, Singaporeans are urged to exercise personal responsibility when undertaking outdoor activities.
There have been 21 drowning cases at Singapore's reservoirs in the last ten years.
And five of these cases happened at the Lower Seletar Reservoir – with the latest on 27 May, when a man drowned after his kayak capsized.
Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Environment and Water Resources Ministry, said: "For the incident at Lower Seletar Reservoir on 27 May, it was found that the man and his wife had strayed out of the designated kayaking area, despite being briefed by the staff of the water activities centre on the safety procedures and the limits of the designated kayaking area."
Dr Khor said adequate safety systems and procedures are in place for water activities.
The PUB and People's Association (PA) have also reviewed them and enhanced procedures for kayakers.
Dr Khor said: "The demarcations of kayaking areas for walk-in public have been more prominent at all reservoirs with water activities. (The) PA and National Sports Association will also be looking into providing walk-in public with devices that they can use to send out distress signals, should they encounter difficulties in the water.
"The operators on shore actually have binoculars as well as (a) whistle and air horns to alert kayakers if they see them straying off the designated area. Ultimately, the responsibility to ensure the safety of the users really lies upon themselves. They have to exercise individual responsibility, they have to adhere to the rules and make sure they do not take any action that will endanger their lives."
On accidents and deaths from falling trees, the National Development Ministry said while tree diseases can be diagnosed and brought under control, there are elements of nature that are beyond the administrator's control.
Grace Fu, Minister of State, National Development Ministry, said: "Where periods of continuous rainfall or strong winds have happened, we have taken measures to close the nature parks, if necessary.
"Following the incidents, we will step up warnings to the users of the park. In the case of the central catchment area, we did close the park to the visitors, but unfortunately the group of visitors had already passed the gates."
Ms Fu said besides increasing public awareness on avoiding forested areas during inclement weather, National Parks will also increase the number of rain shelters.
- CNA/so
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