Preventing future tragedies: Sarawak enforces life jackets, escort boats for paddlers for safer water activities

Henry (seated, centre) speaks to reporters during a press conference to announce the Tasik Biru Festival at the Bau District Office on Oct 22, 2024. Photo credit: TVS

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 22: In the wake of a tragic boating accident that claimed the lives of five paddlers during preparations for the Sarawak Regatta on Oct 18, the Sarawak Ministry of Transport (MOT) has strongly advised the mandatory use of safety jackets for all water-related activities.

According to a TVS news report, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (River and Sea), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, emphasised the importance of enforcing safety jacket usage to minimise the risk of similar incidents in the future.

He stated, “We believe that there needs to be improvements in safety protocols not only for regattas but also for any boat or water race events.”

Henry highlighted that participants in water sports should possess swimming skills as a fundamental requirement.

“If someone cannot swim, they should avoid participating in such activities,” he cautioned during a press conference to announce the Tasik Biru Festival at the Bau District Office today.

Addressing the seriousness of safety concerns, the minister recommended that organisers seek alternative safety measures for water sports activities, particularly when safety jackets are not being used.

“I suggest that during water sports training, if safety jackets are not utilised, teams should provide escort boats as a safety measure in case of emergencies.

“These escort boats are essential as first responders in any unforeseen incident,” he added.

Henry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, urged individuals or groups engaging in river activities to notify relevant agencies, such as the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), to facilitate their operations and planned activities.

“If you plan to conduct training, please inform the Sarawak Rivers Board, as they can set a schedule and ensure no other boats are using the route. This will help ensure the safety of the boats involved in the training,” he explained.

“Historically, we have mandated the use of safety jackets during water recreational activities at Blue Lake, and the Sarawak Rivers Board continuously engages with operators to emphasise that safety jackets are a mandatory requirement,” Henry added. — DayakDaily