Local communities gathered on Tuesday in support of "Be Sports Safe, Buddy Up" - a simple idea that encourages people to bring along another person when engaging in sports so that they can look out for each other to reduce accidents.

The campaign was launched at River Valley High School by Mr Sam Tan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Some 20 partners, including the Sentosa Development Corporation and the National Parks Board, have come forward to be part of the campaign.

In addition, students from ITE College East and West, Kranji Secondary School, Nan Chiau High School and Temasek Secondary School will run upcoming "Buddy Up" roadshows and outreach activities, where they will educate fellow Singaporeans on sports safety.

Singapore Sports Council chief executive Lim Teck Yin said: "Buddy Up is a simple idea that can go a long way in ensuring the well being of everyone who plays sports. For example, swimming with a partner is better than swimming alone as both can look out for each other in case of incidents. It can save precious seconds and minutes especially in an emergency. Through the Buddy Up campaign, we hope to help everyone understand that sports safety is everyone's responsibility."