Singapore Aquatics rolls out initiatives to tackle misconduct, promote safe sporting environment

SINGAPORE: Singapore Aquatics receives about 10 reports of alleged misconduct yearly.

To tackle this issue, the association has launched a pool of initiatives, including a mandatory course for all certified coaches on how to conduct their lessons in a manner that is safe from abuse, violence and harassment.

An upcoming series of workshops will also brief athletes, coaches and administrators on the best practices.

Singapore Aquatics is the national governing body for competitive swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, water polo and open water swimming.

Its Hands Up for Safe Aquatics campaign aims to promote a safe and conducive sporting environment, raise awareness of the types of abuse and harassment which may take place, and educate the community about the importance of safe sport.

This comes as more Singaporeans take up swimming as an activity.

The National Sport Participation Survey, which is conducted annually by Sport Singapore, shows that swimming is among the top five sports that people engage in, and numbers have been steadily increasing.

Singapore Aquatics president Mark Chay said the initiatives are a good way to bring confidence to the community, adding that all five water disciplines under the governing body have young athletes who need to be protected.

He added that aquatic athletes have been receptive to the move.

“It's for their own personal safety. They want to commit to this and they want to be accountable as well, to create a safe environment not only for them but for future generations of athletes,” he said.

Among the national athletes backing the campaign are water polo player Mounisha Devi Manivannan, swimmer Ardi Zulhilmi Azman, artistic swimmer Vivien Tai, diver Max Lee and para swimmer Yip Pin Xiu.

“Safe