No more crocodile sightings, water activities to resume at National Sailing Centre

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.