By Chua Su Sien/Wong Siew Ying
Channel AsiaNews
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA) said it has put in place new safety measures and this was done even before the Safety Inquiry Panel released its report on the Cambodian dragon boat tragedy on Friday.
Five Singaporeans drowned after their dragon boat capsized at the end of a race at Tonle Sap River last November.
And following the incident, SDBA introduced new rules which prevent the Singapore team from taking part in races that do not comply with international guidelines.
SDBA has also banned water-based training in the evenings.
Soon after the tragedy in Cambodia last November, SDBA set up a safety committee which was tasked to evaluate safety issues during competitions and training.
Chia Poh Yong, Vice President, SDBA, said: "We had the technical advisor in to formulate the selection criteria and we made sure that all our paddlers are able swimmers so we make them go through swimming test."
SDBA added that rowers are now more aware of water safety such as the use of life jackets. They are also forbidden to train after seven in the evening.
This means the teams must better manage their time and find alternatives to cater to members who have to work or study till late.
Tan Joe-sie, Member, Women National Dragon Boat Training Squad, said: "We have so far tried to work around it, be it more training sessions during the weekends, double training sessions during weekends; of course public holidays we'll definitely be down to train."
SDBA's safety committee also prohibits teams from participating in competitions that are not up to the standards laid down by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).
The teams do not think they are losing out.
Damien Ho, Member, Men National Dragon Boat Training Squad, said: "Bigger scale events are usually IDBF approved. It will be good if we are able to go over to compete but there are enough races for us to compete here, so it's not necessary to go overseas to compete."
The rowers added that another issue to consider is whether there's sufficient funding to send them for such international competitions.
But for now, SDBA said the national teams are preparing for the Southeast Asian Games in Laos next year. - CNA/vm
Channel AsiaNews
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA) said it has put in place new safety measures and this was done even before the Safety Inquiry Panel released its report on the Cambodian dragon boat tragedy on Friday.
Five Singaporeans drowned after their dragon boat capsized at the end of a race at Tonle Sap River last November.
And following the incident, SDBA introduced new rules which prevent the Singapore team from taking part in races that do not comply with international guidelines.
SDBA has also banned water-based training in the evenings.
Soon after the tragedy in Cambodia last November, SDBA set up a safety committee which was tasked to evaluate safety issues during competitions and training.
Chia Poh Yong, Vice President, SDBA, said: "We had the technical advisor in to formulate the selection criteria and we made sure that all our paddlers are able swimmers so we make them go through swimming test."
SDBA added that rowers are now more aware of water safety such as the use of life jackets. They are also forbidden to train after seven in the evening.
This means the teams must better manage their time and find alternatives to cater to members who have to work or study till late.
Tan Joe-sie, Member, Women National Dragon Boat Training Squad, said: "We have so far tried to work around it, be it more training sessions during the weekends, double training sessions during weekends; of course public holidays we'll definitely be down to train."
SDBA's safety committee also prohibits teams from participating in competitions that are not up to the standards laid down by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).
The teams do not think they are losing out.
Damien Ho, Member, Men National Dragon Boat Training Squad, said: "Bigger scale events are usually IDBF approved. It will be good if we are able to go over to compete but there are enough races for us to compete here, so it's not necessary to go overseas to compete."
The rowers added that another issue to consider is whether there's sufficient funding to send them for such international competitions.
But for now, SDBA said the national teams are preparing for the Southeast Asian Games in Laos next year. - CNA/vm
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