The Singapore Life Saving Society (SLSS) strongly believes that every drowning is one too many. On this note, the SLSS sends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late Mr Levin Agsana, the latest victim of drowning in Singapore waters.

The SLSS also echoes the views of Mr Teo Ser Luck and Dr Teo Ho Pin who have commented on this incident. Although the SLSS cannot comment on whether putting on a life jacket will hinder performance, or worse, make it more dangerous for the athlete to pursue a particular aquatic sport, the reality is that, unless one puts on a life jacket, it is quite certain that anticipated dangers will make themselves present mercilessly, as this latest case has shown.

As the saying goes, no one plans to fail, but some fail to plan. In any aquatic emergency, the individual in distress will normally have only split seconds to decide the next course of action in order to survive.

Therefore, any prior relevant training - such as basic swimming competence, swimming with and without life jacket, and drill in case of capsize - will certainly put the individual in a better position to focus on his next course of action if there is no imminent danger that he will be unable to breathe.

Furthermore, it cannot be anticipated that no other injury will occur. For example, the victim may become unconscious or semi-conscious should there be any impact to the head, or other severe injuries may impede body movement.

In such cases, wearing a life jacket may be the best survival kit an individual who finds himself in aquatic distress can rely on.

Having provided these examples, the SLSS is in no position to suggest that no aquatic tragedy will ever occur so long as one always wears a life jacket in the water. The main purpose of this letter is to caution readers that, when engaging in any activity in the water, one should never underestimate the dangers of water and one should follow all necessary water-safety measures.

We welcome members of the public who seek necessary water-safety advice from the SLSS office. Telephone 6299-3660 or e-mail slss@pacific.net.sg.

Tan Lii Chong
Honorary Secretary-General
Singapore Life Saving Society