The drowning of 6-year-old Anna Lim at the Rasa Sentosa swimming pool last Saturday was the latest in a spate of water accidents. Since January, at least 14 people have drowned.
Following this incident, the National Water Safety Council (NWSC), which was set up on April 19 this year, urges all Singaporeans to perform the Water Safety Checks -- a series of questions to raise risk awareness in both individuals and pool and waterway operators. It also announced a Water Safety Code.

Between 2000 and 2005, there were an average of 43 drownings each year -- a statistic that prompted the setting up of the NWSC to promote and enhance water safety.

The slew of initiatives it is now overseeing include the Learn to Swim programme and other lifesaving programmes like the National Swimming Survival Awards.

Learn to Swim was introduced in January to teach children water proficiency. Currently, there are 55 Primary schools and 11,000 students on the programme.

Chairman of the NWSC, Bukit Panjang MP Teo Ho Pin, said: "Water safety awareness and skills are critical in preventing drowning, and I hope that all Singaporeans will identify and manage the dangers of the water. Now that this is the June school holiday period, I urge all families to exercise care.

"Have fun in water but be safe as well," said Dr Teo, who is Honorary Advisor to the Singapore Life Saving Society.