Jurong West Swimming Complex must first be converted to a fully covered indoor pool to make it completely safe from lightning strikes. However, this involves major reconstruction work and would incur additional ongoing maintenance costs, as the pool water would need to be heated. Moreover, air circulation of an enclosed pool needs to be enhanced. Such high fixed and recurring costs make the conversion not feasible.

The sheltered pool at Jurong West was designed to provide shade from the sun and cover during a light drizzle. Currently, bathers are allowed to continue swimming in the sheltered pool if there is a light drizzle and no lightning. Furthermore, one can resume activities in the pool after a wait of 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.

The SSC takes a serious view of its customers' safety and will not risk it during inclement weather. We would like to thank Madam Chua for her feedback.

S. Parameswaran
Manager (Corporate & Marketing Communications Department)
Group Communications Division
Sports Marketing Group
Singapore Sports Council