NEVER AGAINThe pontoon where the accident occurred. 
NEVER AGAINSurvivors mourn the death of their teammates. --TNP File pictureThe loss of 5 dragon boaters last year has taught us some painful lessons
By Ng Wan Ching
June 01, 2008
Panel: Conditions at river were the worst rowers had ever faced
NO one and no one thing was to blame for last November's tragic incident in Cambodia, where five young Singapore dragon boat rowers lost their lives.
However, the Safety Inquiry Report, released yesterday, went to some length about the Cambodian organisers' handling of the event.
'Many of the rowers stated that the conditions were the most difficult they had ever encountered,' said the 19-page report that was released by the seven-member inquiry panel, chaired by Brigadier-General Tan Kok Kiang.
The five who died were Mr Stephen Loh, 31, Mr Reuben Kee, 23, Mr Poh Boon San, 27, Mr Jeremy Goh, 24, and Mr Chee Wei Cheng, 20.
They were seated in the front of the dragon boat, which capsized as the team was docking and sank.
The 22 rowers were unaware that the river flow during the annual Water Festival, which is held every November, was at its strongest around that time of the year.
THE PROBLEMS
1. Late decision to take part in the race
It left rowers with just over a month to train for race day - 23 Nov. Due to various commitments, the team practised only three to five times a week, instead of six times a week like when they were preparing for the SEA Games.
2. Unfamiliarity with the race
The team was unsure of the race format as little information was made available to them.
Many independently tried to find out more from the Internet but failed to find any meaningful information, according to the report.
On 20 Nov, the team was told the race distance was to be 1.5km. At the race site, they found out it was actually 1.7km.
3. Equipment provided
The panel noted that the team did not take equipment with them as the Cambodians would be providing the paddles and life jackets. This was not unusual, said the panel.
But the rowers were not used to the boat and paddles provided by the Cambodians, which the panel said did not conform to the International Dragon Boat Federation standards.
4. No time to practice
The rowers had originally planned to be in Cambodia a day earlier, on 21Nov, for practice, but because notall members could leave then, theyarrived in Phnom Penh only on 22Nov. The panel noted that this was unusual.
5. Conditions in Tonle Sap river
The fact-finding team, which went to Phnom Penh in December, was told by the authorities that the current of the river on 23 Nov was about three knots. When measured by the Singapore Navy divers the next day, using technical equipment, it was eight knots.
_____________________________
Avoiding future tragedies: Recommendations & responses
Panel: Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA) and its affiliates should only take part in races that comply with International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) guidelines for race organisation, conduct and safety.
SDBA: Rear-Admiral (Retired) Kwek Siew Jin, president of SDBA, fully agreed. He said the management committee of the association has decided not to send the national team to take part in races that do not comply with IDBF standards and specifications.
This means that the national team will not compete in 'traditional boat' races. If they are required to, for whatever reason, then SDBA will ensure that there is proper risk assessment and management.
Panel: SDBA and affiliates should ensure teams comply with IDBF's water safety policy and safety procedures while training.
SDBA: While SDBA agrees in principle, RADM Kwek said there are some policies which may not apply.
For example, the IDBF does not make wearing of life jackets compulsory. Since the start of dragon boat racing here in 1987, the association has made it compulsory.
'Should our national team be sent for foreign competitions in which the wearing of life jackets is not compulsory, it will be the responsibility of the team manager, in consultation with the team captain and team coach to decide,' said RADM Kwek.
SDBA has also introduced swimming tests for national team members.
Panel: SDBA and affiliates to put in place proper selection and training system to prepare for races and to set guidelnes for overseas events.
SDBA: Although there is already a proper selection system in place, SDBA has recently engaged the services of a part-time technical adviser from Canada who will advise the association on all matters of team selection, development and training.
A formal guideline and standard operating procedures for taking part in overseas events will also be developed.
By Ng Wan Ching
June 01, 2008
Panel: Conditions at river were the worst rowers had ever faced
NO one and no one thing was to blame for last November's tragic incident in Cambodia, where five young Singapore dragon boat rowers lost their lives.
However, the Safety Inquiry Report, released yesterday, went to some length about the Cambodian organisers' handling of the event.
'Many of the rowers stated that the conditions were the most difficult they had ever encountered,' said the 19-page report that was released by the seven-member inquiry panel, chaired by Brigadier-General Tan Kok Kiang.
The five who died were Mr Stephen Loh, 31, Mr Reuben Kee, 23, Mr Poh Boon San, 27, Mr Jeremy Goh, 24, and Mr Chee Wei Cheng, 20.
They were seated in the front of the dragon boat, which capsized as the team was docking and sank.
The 22 rowers were unaware that the river flow during the annual Water Festival, which is held every November, was at its strongest around that time of the year.
THE PROBLEMS
1. Late decision to take part in the race
It left rowers with just over a month to train for race day - 23 Nov. Due to various commitments, the team practised only three to five times a week, instead of six times a week like when they were preparing for the SEA Games.
2. Unfamiliarity with the race
The team was unsure of the race format as little information was made available to them.
Many independently tried to find out more from the Internet but failed to find any meaningful information, according to the report.
On 20 Nov, the team was told the race distance was to be 1.5km. At the race site, they found out it was actually 1.7km.
3. Equipment provided
The panel noted that the team did not take equipment with them as the Cambodians would be providing the paddles and life jackets. This was not unusual, said the panel.
But the rowers were not used to the boat and paddles provided by the Cambodians, which the panel said did not conform to the International Dragon Boat Federation standards.
4. No time to practice
The rowers had originally planned to be in Cambodia a day earlier, on 21Nov, for practice, but because notall members could leave then, theyarrived in Phnom Penh only on 22Nov. The panel noted that this was unusual.
5. Conditions in Tonle Sap river
The fact-finding team, which went to Phnom Penh in December, was told by the authorities that the current of the river on 23 Nov was about three knots. When measured by the Singapore Navy divers the next day, using technical equipment, it was eight knots.
_____________________________
Avoiding future tragedies: Recommendations & responses
Panel: Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA) and its affiliates should only take part in races that comply with International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) guidelines for race organisation, conduct and safety.
SDBA: Rear-Admiral (Retired) Kwek Siew Jin, president of SDBA, fully agreed. He said the management committee of the association has decided not to send the national team to take part in races that do not comply with IDBF standards and specifications.
This means that the national team will not compete in 'traditional boat' races. If they are required to, for whatever reason, then SDBA will ensure that there is proper risk assessment and management.
Panel: SDBA and affiliates should ensure teams comply with IDBF's water safety policy and safety procedures while training.
SDBA: While SDBA agrees in principle, RADM Kwek said there are some policies which may not apply.
For example, the IDBF does not make wearing of life jackets compulsory. Since the start of dragon boat racing here in 1987, the association has made it compulsory.
'Should our national team be sent for foreign competitions in which the wearing of life jackets is not compulsory, it will be the responsibility of the team manager, in consultation with the team captain and team coach to decide,' said RADM Kwek.
SDBA has also introduced swimming tests for national team members.
Panel: SDBA and affiliates to put in place proper selection and training system to prepare for races and to set guidelnes for overseas events.
SDBA: Although there is already a proper selection system in place, SDBA has recently engaged the services of a part-time technical adviser from Canada who will advise the association on all matters of team selection, development and training.
A formal guideline and standard operating procedures for taking part in overseas events will also be developed.
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