Water activities at Sentosa beaches, 4 islands allowed to resume a week after crocodile sighting
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Water activities were suspended at Sentosa’s three beaches after the enclave’s first reported crocodile sighting by a Sentosa Cove resident on Jan 31.
PHOTO: ST FILE
SINGAPORE – Water activities at Sentosa’s three beaches can resume from Feb 8, one week after a crocodile was spotted in the waters off the enclave
Responding to queries from The Straits Times, a spokesperson for the Sentosa Development Corp (SDC) said: “Following ongoing daily surveillance and coordinated patrols conducted by SDC and the National Parks Board (NParks) since Jan 31, there have been no further sightings of the crocodile around Sentosa waters.
“Based on the current assessment, water activities – including swimming, kayaking and organised events – can resume with immediate effect.
“SDC will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure public safety and will take further action should the situation change.”
On Feb 8, the Singapore Land Authority said in a Facebook post that water activities at St John’s, Seringat, Lazarus and Kusu islands can also resume.
Water activities were suspended at Sentosa’s Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches after the enclave’s first reported crocodile sighting by a Sentosa Cove resident on Jan 31.
After SDC and NParks verified the sighting to be credible, they commenced joint search and surveillance operations.
One event that was postponed due to the halt was the MetaSprint Series Aquathlon. Originally slated to be held at Palawan Beach on the morning of Feb 1, it was moved to Feb 8.
Due to low tides on the morning of Feb 8, the race was moved to the afternoon, Ms Nathalie Marquet, chief executive of MetaSport, which organises the aquathlon, told The Straits Times.
She said the organisation was disappointed that the event had to be postponed, but added that participants and the wider sport community had shown their support and understanding.
“We’re very grateful for everyone’s patience.”
On Feb 1, NParks had activated a team to conduct surveillance off the waters of Marina South Pier following a reported sighting of a crocodile, SDC said in a Facebook post. It did not say if it was the same crocodile.
On Feb 1, NParks had activated a team to conduct surveillance off the waters of Marina South Pier following a reported sighting of a crocodile.
PHOTOS: SCREENGRAB FROM KENNETH MARK YONG/FACEBOOK
And on Feb 4, the Republic of Singapore Navy said its sea soldiers spotted a crocodile near RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base
SDC advised members of the public to adhere strictly to safety signage and instructions on the ground. Any sightings of or encounters with crocodiles should be reported to the NParks Animal Response Centre on 1800-476-1600.
While crocodiles can usually be seen sunbathing and swimming at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, they have made surprise appearances in other parts of Singapore.
In January 2025, a crocodile was spotted swimming along and close to the edge of a canal near Yishun Dam
In March 2023, a large crocodile spotted on a beach in Marina East Drive was put to sleep
