|
CONCERNED: Although there is no rule mandating the use of life jackets, Dr Teo Ho Pin said that anyone taking part in water sports should wear one.
|
IN SHADES reminiscent of last year's dragon-boat tragedy in Cambodia, the sailor who went overboard on Thursday night was not wearing a life jacket, although there were several on board.
The sailing community here said it was not a requirement to do so for keel boats and donning the vests would obstruct the sailors' movements and could even make them more dangerous.
But Member of Parliament Teo Ho Pin, who chairs the National Water Safety Council, disagreed with this.
Dr Teo said anyone taking part in water sports, especially in the open sea, should put on a life jacket.
'Do not wait for rules and regulations to be in place before taking necessary precautions, as water safety is a personal responsibility.
'Water has no mercy, understand its dangers and do not be too gung ho,' said Dr Teo.
Mr Andrew Tan, senior manager of the Singapore Management University's office of student life, said the students training out at sea were not told to put on life jackets 'because the life jackets are bulky and it will be dangerous if they get caught in the boat's boom (a pole which controls the sail) and hooks'.
Mr Low Teo Ping, president of the Singapore Sailing Federation, agreed that it was not necessary to wear life jackets, but said the vests should be stowed in the boat and when conditions get too rough, sailors should know when to put them on.
'It is really too early to speculate if a lack of life jackets is a contributing cause to this accident,' said Mr Low.
Last year, five young men drowned after their boat capsized in a dragon-boat race in Cambodia. The 22-men crew were all not wearing life jackets as it was not a requirement to do so and because it impeded their rowing.
An inquiry panel did not recommend making the use of life jackets compulsory, unless in cases when international safety guidelines require it.
Dr Teo said it was a 'real cause for concern' that this incident happened so soon after the dragon- boat accident.
'Young people may indulge in sports, but stop being so complacent.'
READ ALSO: Missing at sea, Sailor 'had no strength to climb back on boat'
|
