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THE National Water Safety Council (NWSC) on Wednesday called on all sea sports clubs and groups involved in water-related activities to review and improve their water safety standards and procedures for participants in Singapore and overseas.
This call comes in the wake of the freak dragon boat accident in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which killed five national rowers last Friday.
In a statement, the NWSC expressed its sadness over the dragon boat mishap and offered its condolences to the families of the five Singaporean racers who who lost their lives.
Reinforcing the need for water safety awareness and vigilance in both Singapore and overseas waters, the council said: 'In particular, open water bodies in foreign countries might pose a greater danger because of unfamiliar conditions.'
'The strength and intensity of the waves and currents can be very different, and there may be undercurrents and other underwater hazards. Furthermore, warning signs are often in a foreign language.'
Commenting, Dr. Teo Ho Pin, Chairman of the National Water Safety Council said: 'We must never take safety for granted. When we travel overseas, seemingly calm and welcoming waters may turn treacherous very quickly. So we need to find out about the local conditions, and take the necessary precautions.'
The NWSC urged all organisations involved in water-related activities - such as National Sports Associations and sea sports clubs - to review and enhance their water safety procedures continually, to safeguard the safety of participants locally and overseas.
It also reminded the public about the Water Safety Checks and Water Safety Code, which water sports enthusiasts and others should check against before getting into the water.
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