Swimming at the beach? Check water quality first

Those looking to go for a dip at the beach can now check if the quality of seawater is safe first.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) now provides weekly assessments of the quality of seawater at nine beaches in Singapore, along with an advisory, based on the levels of enterococcus bacteria measured in the water.

Enterococcus is a harmful bacterium found in animal and human faeces.

Data on the quality of water at beaches used to be published annually since 2009, but this practice has been stepped up to allow beachgoers to have more current information to safeguard their health, the NEA said in a statement yesterday.

The nine beaches are Sentosa's Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach, Seletar Island Beach, Sembawang Park Beach, Changi Beach, East Coast Park Beach, Pasir Ris Beach and Punggol Beach.

There are three bands used to measure the amount of bacteria in the water - normal, elevated and high. If the bacterial level is normal, it is safe to enter the water and beachgoers can continue with their water activities.

When bacterial levels are elevated, children, the elderly and people with weaker immune systems are advised to reduce primary contact activities which could increase the risk of gastrointestinal or respiratory illnesses.

These are activities where the whole body, or the face and trunk, are frequently immersed in water and it is likely that some water will be swallowed. Examples of primary contact activities include swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding and diving.

When bacterial levels are high, NEA advises all beachgoers to minimise primary contact activities.

As a general guide, people are advised to avoid the water immediately after heavy rainfall and to refrain from water activities when they have open sores, skin infections, or when they feel unwell.

NEA added that the public need not be unduly concerned if bacterial levels at certain stretches of the beach are elevated or high for a particular week.

This is because bacterial levels are transient in nature as the beach water is "continuously flushed and mixed by currents".

When bacterial levels deteriorate to the high range, NEA will monitor the water quality closely and conduct investigations to identify possible pollution sources.

Kayak guide Sim Cher Huey, 45, said these weekly updates will help him plan ahead when he takes young children or the elderly on kayaking trips. "It is important for these readings to be publicised so we can protect those with weaker immune systems," he said.

People can check the water quality of beaches at NEA's website or through the myENV mobile app.

In addition, from Oct 17, those who want to visit Sentosa's beaches during peak periods, including weekends and public holidays, will have to make reservations first.

Guests may pre-book their entry up to seven days before their intended visits, subject to capacity limits.

For its initial roll-out, the reservation system will begin accepting bookings from Saturday, for visits commencing on Oct 17.