Why ban kayakers from reservoir?

Straits Times Forum 8 Sep 10;

BEFORE Marina Bay reservoir was created, it was possible for anyone with his own boat to enjoy paddling at Kallang Basin. Now, it is no longer possible because PUB has banned private kayakers from Marina Reservoir. Similarly, PUB has banned kayaking at the previously accessible Punggol and Serangoon rivers - both slated as future reservoirs.

When Marina Reservoir was announced, it was presented as an exciting venue for water sports, especially non-polluting paddling sports like kayaking. After it was opened, paddlers who had long enjoyed its waters on their private kayaks were banned from it.

I believe the risk assessment of Kallang Basin/Marina Bay as a suitable kayaking venue has not changed after the building of the barrage. How is it more risky now for private kayakers to paddle there, when we have been doing it for over 20 years without incident?

Some organisations like Water Venture and even privately owned dragon boat teams are still permitted to do kayaking/boating in its waters.

A regulatory approach to managing recreation activities in Marina Reservoir - and other waterways - would be much more appreciated than an outright ban. In any case, a ban is hardly enforceable over such a wide area.

According to PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters programme, our reservoirs are no longer just water catchment areas but also important outdoor recreation areas that enhance urban living. If so, the creation of more reservoirs should not reduce our recreation space.

Sim Cher Huey


Kayakers not banned from reservoirs
Straits Times Forum 11 Sep 10;

PUB, the national water agency, thanks Mr Sim Cher Huey for his letter on Wednesday ('Why ban kayakers from reservoir?').

PUB does not ban kayakers from our reservoirs. In fact, since 2005, it has been actively promoting water activities at our reservoirs as part of our efforts to inject life and vibrancy into our reservoirs, and to encourage the public to bond with water. Members of the public can enjoy kayaking activities at various reservoirs.

PUB has worked with partners such as the Singapore Canoe Federation and People's Association to open kayaking centres at Bedok Reservoir, MacRitchie Reservoir, Jurong Lake and Lower Seletar Reservoir. Members of the public can also try their hand at sailing at Marina Barrage.

PUB works closely with the operators to ensure that water activities are conducted in a safe and proper manner. As a public agency, PUB has the responsibility to ensure that water activities conducted in the reservoirs are safe for all users as well as ensure the security of our reservoirs, which contain vital installations and equipment.

Water is sometimes discharged via certain channels when the reservoir level is too high, causing rapid flow of water. If individual kayakers are allowed to kayak outside the designated areas without any supervision, reservoir operations may be affected and the kayakers may put their lives at risk.

Kayaking centre operators ensure that members of the public are briefed on safety regulations and they do not venture outside the designated areas. The operators also keep the life vests and kayaks in good condition and track the number of kayaks out on the waters so that all individuals are accounted for.

Tan Nguan Sen
Director, Catchment and Waterways
PUB, the national water agency