long-awaited report on last November’s Cambodia dragon boating accident is due out on Friday, many local teams are already steaming ahead with preparations for upcoming regional competitions

Findings on dragon boat tragedy due Friday
By Neo Chai Chin, TODAY | Posted: 28 May 2008 1029 hrs
SINGAPORE: Even as the inquiry panel’s long-awaited report on last
November’s Cambodia dragon boating accident is due out on Friday, many
local teams are already steaming ahead with preparations for upcoming
regional competitions.

Some teams began planning more than two months ago. Next month, the
Safra Dragons will compete in Nanning, China, while the National
University of Singapore’s (NUS) team will compete in Macau. Teams from
NUS, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National Junior College
and other organisations will also take part in the Club Crew World
Championships cum ADBF Asian Dragon Boat Championships in Penang from
August 1 to 3.

While some may question the wisdom of committing to overseas
competitions before the release of inquiry findings on the accident in
Cambodia — which killed five national paddlers — the schools told
TODAY they would stick to tried-and-trusted safety procedures.

NUS’ student athletes competing overseas are insured and will be
accompanied by their coach and at least one team manager, said a
spokesperson. A crisis management plan with “proper response
procedures” is also in place, she said.

The NTU team decided to race in Penang because of its confidence in
the Penang Dragon Boat Association and because it has competed there
since 2002, said a spokesperson. But paddlers below the age of 21 will
need their parents’ permission.

Dragon-boaters told TODAY the tragedy in Cambodia had not dampened
their competitive spirit. “Going overseas to train and compete exposes
us to a different level of competition,” said NTU student Tan Hanming,
25.

Victims of the Cambodia accident were sucked under a pontoon by
undercurrents. Still the fact that they were not wearing life jackets
came under the spotlight at the time.

Safety recommendations expected from the inquiry panel’s report
include the compulsory donning of life jackets in all competitions.
While vests are mandated for meets held here, this is not necessarily
the case overseas — even in some events conducted to the International
Dragon Boat Federation’s standards.

But the schools are not taking chances. The NUS advises its paddlers
to wear life jackets, while the NTU team wears them during all
training sessions and competitions.

The Singapore Dragon Boat Association said its affiliates should
consult the association prior to any overseas races.

“We will draw their attention to anything that is unusual, for
example, fast currents (at the race venue) or unusual equipment
required,” said its president Rear-Admiral (Ret) Kwek Siew Jin. -
TODAY/fa
.

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