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.
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
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Youth must be accompanied by a legal guardian
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1 experienced coach and 1 additional experienced paddler should lead Youth session
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Youth must wear a life vest
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Introduction to the stroke techniques and safety procedures for all new crew
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Adults not comfortable treading water for at least 5 mn or swim up to 100m must wear a life vest on the waka
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Stay protected: apply sunscreen and wear sleeved top
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Stay hydrated : carry enough water on the waka
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Make sure you don't have any injury or any medical conditions that can prevent you from paddling
HANDLING THE WAKA SAFELY
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Washing of the Waka after every sessions
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Reporting of any damage to KWA ExCo
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Waka storage following the picture (Ama-to-Ama). Follow the steer / session lead when taking the Waka in / out :
-- Nose of the Waka always protected by the mat when carrying the boat on and off the trolly
-- Enough paddler to carry the tail of the Waka, at least 1 person to hold the Iako to ensure the Ama is never dropped
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
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Stick together : we are more visible as a fleet
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1 short blast from a vessel means altering course to starboard (right) -- 2 short blasts mean altering course to port (left)
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We may enter the channel to navigate around a yellow channel marker, but we must stay away from the shipping anchorage area
MORE INFO
Maritime Port Authority Circular
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Familiarise yourself with the Sentosa area, especially the authorized and no-go zones
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Identify the surroundings islands, beacons and markers
Maritime Port Authority Circular
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Familiarise yourself with the Sentosa area, especially the authorized and no-go zones
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Identify the surroundings islands, beacons and markers
Maritime Port Authority Circular
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Familiarise yourself with the Sentosa area, especially the authorized and no-go zones
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Identify the surroundings islands, beacons and markers
Meteorological Services and App
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App like MyENV, Rain Alarm, WindFinder are usually used within the paddling community to stay updated of the weather conditions.
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Tidal information to be found here