Statistics on Current Number of Licensed Swimming Pools in Singapore and Those with Lifeguards on Duty
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the current number of licensed swimming pools and the potential for legislating requirements for on-site lifeguards. Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for statistics on pools and whether the Government would mandate trained life-saving personnel. Minister Edwin Tong Chun Fai stated that there are approximately 2,700 licensed pools, with lifeguards stationed at all 27 ActiveSG pools. He clarified that while licensing mandates safety equipment like lifebuoys, there is currently no legislative requirement for pools to be manned by lifeguards. Minister Edwin Tong Chun Fai emphasized that water safety is a shared responsibility supported by public education initiatives like the SwimSafer programme.
Transcript
22 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what is the current number of licensed swimming pools in Singapore; (b) what is the number of swimming pools with lifeguards on duty; and (c) whether the Government will consider legislating the need for lifeguards on duty or for other on-premise officers to be trained in life-saving techniques.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: NEA licenses about 2,700 swimming pools, ranging from pools in private residences and condominiums, to pools in clubs. Sport Singapore (SportSG) manages 27 ActiveSG pools, all of which deploy lifeguards.
As part of the licensing requirements, all pools must be equipped with first-aid boxes and lifebuoys, and display illustrations of artificial resuscitation procedures all in conspicuous places, but there are no requirements for pools to be manned by lifeguards or trained on-site personnel.
Water safety is a shared responsibility requiring a multi-stakeholder effort, which covers the areas of education, governance, research and surveillance. The deployment of lifeguards or trained on-site personnel comprises part of such a concerted approach in ensuring safety at pools. We encourage everyone to play their part to practise personal responsibility and exercise supervision and vigilance at pools.
On its part, SportSG works with MOE to conduct the SwimSafer programme for all Primary school students, which teaches students swimming, water survival and life-saving skills to react appropriately to various aquatic situations.