Dear Editor,
It was good to see movement at last, following the latest creek outing tragedy, the authorities putting measures in place. These safety measures should have been put in place a long time. It is unthinkable, but happening all along and despite several incidents at these locations, an essential feature such as a trained lifeguard is absent.
It is posited the authorities must share some responsibility for these incidents and ensuing tragic outcomes. It is not as though they are not aware what goes on at these creeks on weekends and holidays. The absence of basic safety measures should have seen operations suspended at these locations.
It was noted though in the measures rolled out and for operators to become compliant, the absence of emergency response was glaring. The latest incident noted that calls to the emergency service hotline indicated ‘no ambulance were available that far out’ (KN September 9). So persons go to these locations and are left on their own when an emergency occurs.
Better has to be done for emergency situations at these locations. Some mechanism must be found and put in place for an emergency call to be responded to. It is just unacceptable, where life matters, (and heaven forbids a similar incident might occur again) that the response given in this latest incident, to be the norm.
Of course safety is everybody’s and especially our own business and we must be mindful of this when venturing on outings and activities where the unknown can creep up unsuspectingly.
My condolences to the grieving families and relatives of the two young girls.
Yours faithfully,
Shamshun Mohamed
