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SAFETY GUIDELINES

Safety guidelines are the foundation for a safe and secure paddle experience with KWA. Every person paddling with us should be aware and practice the safety protocols that apply both on land and water. 

Swimming ability

All paddlers must be comfortable swimming in open ocean without life vest

at least 100m away from shore

Weather conditions

Check the weather forecast, tide and wind directions. Don't go out if lightning strikes, reach shore if you see lightning while paddling

Emergency number

Radio :  07 - Police Coastguard, 

16 -Marine Port Authority, 12 or 68 - Port operations,  77 - all marinas

 

Phone :  6377 5540 / 6377 5539 - Police Coastguard,  999 - Police or 995 - SCDF, 6325 2488/6325 2489 - Marine Safety Control, 6303 8434 or 6303 8446 - Marina Keppel Bay

Know your area

Know your itinerary and communicate it with others. Beware of the no-go zones (anchorage and sea channels) but also shorelines (i.e submerged rocks, fishing lines and concrete infrastructures).

Follow the steer

Responsible person for the integrity of the boat and its navigation at sea as well as the safety of the crew. Must be certified by Club Captains

Waka checklist

In the safety bag : a VHF radio or handphone , vinegar, tow rope,  whistle, marine lights, duct tape.

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On the waka : a spare paddle, a life vest for each paddler, bailer

+ if on single craft : a leg leash and to turn on live location

IMPORTANT : YOUTH AND ROOKIE

  • Youth must be accompanied by a legal guardian
     

  • 1 experienced coach and 1 additional experienced paddler should lead Youth session
     

  • Youth must wear a life vest

  • Introduction to the stroke techniques and safety procedures for all new crew
     

  • Adults not comfortable treading water for at least 5 mn or swim up to 100m must wear a life vest on the waka

  • Stay protected: apply sunscreen and wear sleeved top
     

  • Stay hydrated : carry enough water on the waka
     

  • Make sure you don't have any injury or any medical conditions that can prevent you from paddling

LONG DISTANCE PADDLE

It is exciting to venture outside East Coast and get to paddle to Sentosa and the surrounding islands.  However this requires more vigilance especially while crossing channels and meeting large vessels : 

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  • Never cross the bow in front of a moving vessel 
     

  • Stick together :  we are more visible as a fleet
     

  • 1 short blast from a vessel means altering course to starboard (right)  -- 2 short blasts mean altering course to port (left)
     

  • We may enter the channel to navigate around a yellow channel marker, but we must stay away from the shipping anchorage area

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MORE INFO

Maritime Port Authority Circular 
 

  • Familiarise yourself with the Sentosa area, especially the authorized and no-go zones
     

  • Identify the surroundings islands, beacons and markers
     

Maritime Port Authority Circular 
 

  • Familiarise yourself with the Sentosa area, especially the authorized and no-go zones
     

  • Identify the surroundings islands, beacons and markers
     

Maritime Port Authority Circular 
 

  • Familiarise yourself with the Sentosa area, especially the authorized and no-go zones
     

  • Identify the surroundings islands, beacons and markers
     

KWA Handbook and Safety Guidelines

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Find all details to our safety procedures and best practices when taking our waka and single craft on the Moana

Meteorological Services and App
 

  • App like MyENV, Rain Alarm, WindFinder are usually used within the paddling community to stay updated of the weather conditions. 
     

  • Tidal information to be found here
     

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