Take a look at this photo. What is the main issue here? While seasonal marine debris from the Southwest Monsoon plays a role, that isn’t the core issue I want to focus on.
These are our children going out for training. Their safety and well-being should always come first. At any national sports facility—such as a SportSG centre—ensuring a safe, danger-free launch area before sailors step into the water ought to be the highest priority.
This particular area is along East Coast Park. Even if NParks cleaning crews have not yet cleared the launch beach, shouldn’t the operational responsibility fall on the Sailing Centre to ensure the area is safe for their athletes?
If the beach cannot be cleared in time, sailors should not be allowed to launch from a debris-laden shore until the hazard is resolved.
We cannot afford to be complacent until an accident happens. Imagine a hidden wooden plank with a rusty nail buried among the flotsam—it could cause a severe foot injury to a young sailor. Prevention is always better than cure.
Signing off,
Raymond Seah
