LOW LIN FHOONG Today Online 10 Nov 17;
SINGAPORE — Water activities at the National Sailing Centre (NSC) at East Coast Park will resume on Friday (Nov 10), said the Singapore Sailing Federation (SSF), ending a four-day suspension triggered by a crocodile sighting at a construction site next to the centre.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the SSF said that the decision was made after consultation with the National Parks Board and other “subject matter experts”.
The national sports association stressed that it would implement “precautionary measures” based on the advice provided by these experts.
While there have been no further sightings of the crocodile, the SSF wrote: “The National Sailing Centre is on high alert and briefings will be conducted with sailors and relevant parties. Safety of our sailors is the number one priority and we will not hesitate to suspend water activities should there be any indications of crocodile sightings.
“Patrol boats have been deployed at regular intervals to observe the area and will continue to be deployed. Other guidelines in boat launching and recovery procedures including additional beach support and on-water sentries are also set in place.”
As for the NSC Cup Series 3 regatta scheduled for next weekend, a SSF spokesperson said that they will continue to monitor the situation before deciding if the race will proceed.
“If there is another sighting of the crocodile, we could potentially cancel the event. We are currently monitoring the situation closely and we will take the necessary action when required,” added the SSF spokesperson.
On Monday, the SSF suspended all water activities at the NSC after a contractor spotted a crocodile at the construction site. Some 120 sailors were unable to train or participate in sailing activities due to the suspension.
The national sports association also alerted the National Parks Board and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore, and advisory notices were placed on the shore to warn the public of the danger.
No further croc sightings at East Coast Park, water training to resume
Channel NewsAsia 9 Nov 17;
SINGAPORE: Water training at the National Sailing Centre (NSC) will resume on Friday, but may be suspended again should there be anymore "indications of crocodile sightings", said the Singapore Sailing Federation on Thursday (Nov 9).
In its Facebook post, the federation said there have been no further sightings of the crocodile that was allegedly spotted by contractors at a work site beside the centre on Monday. It added that however, that the NSC "remains on high alert" and that briefings will be conducted with sailors and relevant parties.
The federation has also consulted with National Parks Board (NParks) and other relevant experts, and "implemented precautionary measures based on their advice".
"Patrol boats have been deployed at regular intervals to observe the area and will continue to be deployed. Other guidelines in boat-launching and recovery procedures including additional beach support and on-water sentry are also set in place," it said.
Earlier in the week, NParks said the reptile was likely an estuarine crocodile, "known to swim freely in the waters between Singapore and Malaysia".
In a statement, group director of parks Chia Seng Jiang said the board has advised operators of establishments along the coast to take necessary precautions, as well as put up notices near water edges reminding visitors to keep to designated paths.
"Should park visitors encounter a crocodile, they should stay calm and back away slowly," said Mr Chia. "They should not approach, provoke or feed the animal."
Those who need help dealing with crocodiles can call the NParks helpline at 1800 471 7300.
Source: CNA/hs
